Significant Figures

[Michael Du 1E]

When we are asked to find the equilibrium concentrations and are given the initial concentrations and K constant, would our equilibrium concentrations follow the significant figures of the initial concentrations or the K?

[Hui Qiao Wu 1I]

I would say consider both the K constant and initial concentrations because you used both pieces of information in order to figure your answer. Sig figs are determined by all the numbers you used in a problem.

[Rebekah Alfred 1J]

Typically, you see what value in the question has the least amount of significant figures to determine how many significant figures your answer will need to be rounded to, which means you consider both the K constant and the initial concentrations.

[Robert Tran 1B]

Both the K constant and the initial concentrations should be used when calculating sig figs because they are both used in the overall calculation.

[Donavin Collins 1F]

From my knowledge, the sig figs would be based off of the initial concentration and k constant.

[Madelyn Romberg 1H]

It could be either. Sig figs are based off of the smallest number of sig figs initially measured.

[Michael Du 1E]

I would say consider both the K constant and initial concentrations because you used both pieces of information in order to figure your answer. Sig figs are determined by all the numbers you used in a problem.

That's what I initially thought too but there were some problems where the k had 2 sig figs and the initial concentrations had 3. However, the answers of the equilibrium concentrations follow the sig figs of the initial (3).

[Osvaldo SanchezF -1H]

I don't know if it counts for anything but my T.A. said that there is not such a huge emphasis in sig figs this quarter and the processes are much more important so there is no need to stress about it as much like last quarter.

[VioletKo3F]

You would have to take into consideration all the numbers you used in the calculation of the k value. Just use the numbers given to you in the question to determine your sig figs.