Significant Figures
How many sig figs are in the number 456?
3
Convert the number 0.00056 into scientific notation.
5.6 x 10-4
Convert 5 kilometers to meters using dimensional analysis.
3.1 miles
What is the purpose of a graduated cylinder?
To measure the volume of liquids with high precision and accuracy.
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Observation
How many significant figures are in the number 0.004500?
4
What is the scientific notation for 4,500,000?
4.5 x 106
How many inches are in 2.5 meters?
98.4 inches
Describe the use of a Bunsen burner in the lab.
To produce a controlled, adjustable flame for heating, sterilization, and combustion.
Define a hypothesis.
A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation -- best worded as "if ... then"
Round the number 0.00456789 to three significant figures.
0.00457
Express the number 3.0×103 in standard notation.
3000
If a car travels at 60 miles, how many meters does it travel?
96,774 meters
What is the difference between a beaker and an Erlenmeyer flask?
A beaker is a wide, cylindrical container with a spout for easy pouring and is best for heating and mixing liquids, while an Erlenmeyer flask has a conical body and narrow neck, making it ideal for swirling and preventing spills and evaporation during chemical reactions.
What is the difference between a control group and an experimental group?
The experimental group receives the treatment being tested, while the control group does not and serves as a baseline for comparison.
Explain why the number 1000 has one significant figure, but 1000.0 has five.
The decimal point makes all the zeros significant, while the 1000 (with no decimals) tells us the zeros are estimated.
Express the number 6.0×10−8 in scientific notation.
0.000 000 06
Use dimensional analysis to convert 100 cm to feet.
13.12 feet
Name four pieces of safety equipment found in a chemistry lab.
Safety goggles, lab apron, disposable gloves, safety shower, eyewash station, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, fume hood
Explain the difference between the independent variable and the dependent variable.
The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the factor that is measured and observed.
Round the number 9,455 to 3 significant figures.
9,460
What is the significance of using scientific notation in scientific calculations?
Scientific notation simplifies calculations and improves clarity for very large or small numbers by providing a concise, standardized format that is easier to read and reduces errors from miscounting zeros.
Explain the concept of unit cancellation in dimensional analysis with an example.
You put the same, unwanted units diagonally so that they are eliminated -- leaving only the desired units.
Explain the function of a ring stand.
To provide a stable, adjustable support for laboratory glassware and other equipment during experiments, ensuring safety and precision.
Why is it so important to only change one variable at a time in an experiment?
By keeping all other factors constant, scientists can be certain that any changes observed in the dependent variable are solely due to the manipulation of the independent variable, preventing misleading or inaccurate conclusions.