Transcript Scientific Notation (aka- Exponential Notation)

Scientific Notation
(aka- Exponential Notation)
• Chemists often make calculation using
very large or very small numbers. Sci.
Notation is used to compact the numbers.
• A number in Scientific notation has two
parts or factors.
• 1st factor- a number between 1-9.99
• 2nd factor- an exponent of 10 (+ or -)
Steps to enter Sci. Notation on
Graphing Calculators
1.
2.
3.
4.
Type in first factor
Hit 2nd function key
Hit “EE” key
Type in exponent
+
-
• Use the arrows to determine direction to
move decimals and the number of places
moved is equal to the exponent.
• For Example• 0.0098 m would be 9.8 x 10-3 m
• 1453000 g would be 1.453000 x 106
Significant Figures in
Measurement
• The significant figures of a
measurement or a calculation
consist of all the digits known with
certainty as well as one estimated
or uncertain, digit. The last digit
or significant figure reported in a
measurement is uncertain or
estimated.
Rules for Determining SigFigs
1. Non-zero digits are ALWAYS
SIGNIFICANT.
2. Zeros between nonzero digits are
SIGNIFICANT.
3. Final zeros to the right of the decimal
are SIGNIFICANT.
4. Place-holding zeros are NOT
SIGNIFICANT, this includes zeros in
front of the decimal.
Rules for Calculations w/ SigFigs
1. In Mult./Div. Problems, the answer
can’t have more sigfigs than in the
smallest measurement in the problem.
2. In Add./Subtr. Problems, the answer
can’t have more decimal places than the
least number of decimal places in the
problem.
3. In problems that involve both
operations, round after each operation.
Practice Problems
1. How many sigfigs in456.0 m
2. How many sigfigs in500 g
3. Round the answer to the correct # of
sigfigs- 45.67g/2.1 ml =
4. Round the answer to the corrct # of
sigfigs- 3.14m + 4.5 m + 890m =