Transcript Unit 2-3 Scientific Notation

Scientific
Notation
Scientific Notation
• Used for very large or very small
numbers, to make life easier
• Wavelength of an X-ray
– 0.0000000001 m
• Avogadro’s Number:
– 602000000000000000000000
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To change…
• From regular to sci notation, move
(and count) the decimal
• 0.0000000001 m
– Move decimal to the right 10 places
– 1 x 10-10 m
• 602000000000000000000000
– Move decimal to left 23 places
– 6.02 x 1023
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To change…
• From sci notation to regular, add
zeroes by moving decimal
• 1 x 10-10 m
– Move decimal to the left 10 places
and fill in with zeroes
– 0.0000000001
• 6.02 x 1023
– Move decimal to the right 23 places
and fill in with zeroes
– 602000000000000000000000
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Using a Calculator
•
•
•
•
Enter number – like 6.02
Push EE or EXP
Enter exponent – like 23
DON’T enter the “10 x” on the
calculator!
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Sci Notation and Sig Figs
• Sci notation can make sig figs
much easier
• Focus on number, not the
exponent
– 3.25 x 105
•3
– 1.0 x 102
•2
• See how this removes the
confusion of 100?
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