2006-07-31 00:49:08 · 8 answers · asked by dc 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It is appropriate to state the answer to a scientific question in as many significant figures as the least accurate measurement used to get the answer. If you measured the mass to 4 decimal places and the volume to 3 decimal places it would be appropriate to state the answer in 3 decimal places.
2006-07-31 02:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is appropriate to state it to the accuracy of what ever you are using to measure it. So this would mean where ever you are getting your numbers or measurements from is accurate to 3 decimal places. You cannot get an answer to calculations that is more precise then your measurements.
Also is should not be the number of decimal places that you count but the number of significant figures if you are doing calculations.
2006-07-31 07:55:34 · answer #2 · answered by thatoneguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because three is the number, and the number to which the decimals go is three. two is not acceptible, except in those cases wherein it is followed rightly thereafter by a third decimal place. Likewise, four is an abomination unto the Lord and is thence not acceptible. Five is right out! The number for density decimals is three.
2006-07-31 07:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by Firstd1mension 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not at all appropriate for all cases. In analytical labs the results are usually calculated to 5 dp and reported to 4 dp.
The reason you see so many results to 3dp is because the simplest and cheapest instrument to use is the floating hygrometer. This only reads to 3dp and in most cases that is sufficient precision.
2006-07-31 09:49:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as u know most units are significant in jumps of 3
yocto 10-24 * --
zepto 10-21 * --
atto 10-18 * --
femto 10-15 * --
pico 10-12 * --
nano 10-9 * --
micro 10-6 * --
milli 10-3 * --
(none)
kilo 10 3
mega 10 6
giga 10 9
tera 10 12
peta 10 15
exa 10 18
zetta10 21 *
yotta 10 24 *
hope this helps
2006-07-31 08:02:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think thats not true,, you can have density with more decimals but the here we must consider our density device and how signficant figures cand read and plus minus accuracy and we can find that on the tool or device,, but i think you talk about hydrometers which has 3 decimal ,, i hope that can help,, good luck
2006-07-31 08:14:26 · answer #6 · answered by source_of_love_69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on how many significant figures the scale you use to measure the mass of the item, and the way to measure the volume of the item as well.
2006-07-31 11:01:27 · answer #7 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you realize that Firstd1mension's answer is the best you'll ever find. Period. Bar none.
2006-07-31 11:41:26 · answer #8 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋