Rounding atomic weight (general question) [ENDORSED]

[victoriatanaka1C]

I noticed when Prof. Lavelle is calculating molar mass of compounds (or anything involving math), he writes the mass of O as 16 g.mol-1, but H stays 1.008 g.mol-1. Is there a guideline we should follow when rounding atomic masses?

[nelquosey]

In the test we will be given a periodic table and I would assume that we are meant to use whatever version of the atomic mass that the table specifies :)

[RubyLake1F]

Yeah I would say always use the maximum number of digits given to you in the question or periodic table on the assessment, and then round according to significant figures only at the very end of the problem.

[Luis Torres 1C]

Personally, I would use whatever is given in the question or periodic table and not round until the very end, just to make my calculations as accurate as possible

[Rummel Requerme 1E]

Personally, I just follow the periodic table, no matter how tedious it may be to spell out the entire number, just to be safe. You could just save the rounding for the end, while also attaching a solution that isn't rounded possibly.

[Jose Munoz 1D]

I think that best thing to do is to just follow the periodic table, that way you can't be wrong. Also it save time while performing in the exams.

[Alicia Beebe]

I also struggled with different periodic tables having different values present, but I just asked my TA if I could keep the periodic table from the quiz week 2 and have been using that one and it corresponds well.

[yazminedesan1F]

I would just use the periodic table atomic masses. I usually round when finding amount in moles to have a whole number

[Shione Nakahara 1F]

I would use the atomic mass on the periodic table he gives us, and round at the end.