dentify the numbers in each of the following statements as measured or exact:b. A patient is given 2 tablets of medication.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between measured and exact numbers. Measured numbers are obtained from measurements and have some degree of uncertainty, while exact numbers are counted or defined and have no uncertainty.
2. Consider the context of the statement: 'A patient is given 2 tablets of medication.'
3. Recognize that the number of tablets is a countable quantity, which means it is not subject to measurement uncertainty.
4. Identify that countable quantities, like the number of tablets, are considered exact numbers because they are whole numbers obtained by counting.
5. Conclude that the number '2' in the statement is an exact number.

Key Concepts

Measured Numbers

Measured numbers are values obtained through measurement and can vary due to limitations in precision and accuracy. They include values that are subject to uncertainty, such as the length of an object or the volume of a liquid. In scientific contexts, these numbers often come with a degree of error, reflecting the reliability of the measurement process.

Exact Numbers

Exact numbers are values that are counted or defined and have no uncertainty associated with them. They are typically whole numbers, such as the number of students in a classroom or the number of tablets in a package. Exact numbers are considered to have an infinite number of significant figures, making them precise and reliable for calculations.

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision, including all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Understanding significant figures is crucial for determining the accuracy of measured numbers and for performing calculations in chemistry, as it helps convey the reliability of the data being used.