Significant Figures in Chemistry essays

Significant Figures in Chemistry essays Chemists and other scientists alike are well aware of the importance of significant figures in determining the most precise data that can be achieved in a measurement. In spite of this, some degree of error will always exist, however small. This is unavoidably due to the imperfection of humans, their observations, and the instruments with which they compare the dimensions of an object. The purpose of significant figures is to provide the greatest amount of detail and precision possible, while at the same time avoiding any extraneous or incorrect information. In this way, the rules of significant figures and the process of determining them help scientists filter out error, enabling them to achieve better results. There are certain general procedures that should be taken in the lab with regards to precision in measurements. When conducting measurements, it is important to estimate one decimal place past the smallest scale denomination. For example, while using a centimeter ruler to take a measurement, which is divided into tenths of a centimeter, or millimeters, one should estimate one decimal place past the tenth. This is done by taking the space between the tenths, mentally dividing it into ten, and estimating the length to the hundredths place, or two decimal places. Likewise, in a graduated cylinder whose smallest division is the ones place, with markings of 1 mL, the measurement should be estimated to the tenths place, or one decimal place. This is done by again making the same mental division, this time for the tenths place instead of the hundredths as seen in the ruler example. The following measurements can be proposed for determining significant figures: 0.0304 g, 150.0 cm, and 120 mL. Finding the amount of significant figures involves following the general rules for significant figures. They are: Non-zero digits are always significant. Any zeros between two significant digits are significant. ...