Question 1

Which of the following best describes the correct way to record a measurement from a ruler marked in 0.1 cm increments?

Accepted Answer

Record to the nearest 0.1 cm, estimating one digit beyond the smallest marking.

Question 2

A student measures the length of a wooden splint using a ruler with millimeter markings and records 7.35 cm. How many significant figures are in this measurement?

Accepted Answer

Three

Question 3

When reading the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder, what is the correct position of your eye to avoid parallax error?

Accepted Answer

At the same level as the bottom of the meniscus

Question 4

A graduated cylinder shows the bottom of the meniscus at 36.5 mL. The cylinder is marked every 1 mL. What is the correct way to report this measurement?

Accepted Answer

$$36.5\ \mathrm{mL}$$

Question 5

Why is it important to include all certain digits and one estimated digit when recording a measurement?

Accepted Answer

It reflects the precision of the measuring instrument.

Question 6

A student records the length of an object as 8.0 cm using a ruler marked in 0.1 cm increments. Which of the following best explains the number of significant figures?

Accepted Answer

There are two significant figures: one certain and one estimated.

Question 7

If a measurement is recorded as $$9.20\ \mathrm{cm}$$, what does the zero indicate?

Accepted Answer

The zero is significant and shows the precision of the measurement.

Question 8

A student reads the volume in a graduated cylinder as $$35\ \mathrm{mL}$$, but the correct reading is $$35.0\ \mathrm{mL}. $$What is the main error in the student's measurement?

Accepted Answer

The student did not estimate one digit beyond the smallest marking.

Question 9

Which of the following is the best definition of 'significant figures'?

Accepted Answer

All the digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit.

Question 10

A ruler is marked in 0.1 cm increments. A student measures a pencil and records $$6.78\ \mathrm{cm}. $$Which of the following best describes the measurement?

Accepted Answer

It is correctly recorded with three significant figures.

Question 11

A scientist measures the mass of a sample as $$12.30\ \mathrm{g}$$ using a balance with 0.01 g precision. How many significant figures should be reported?

Accepted Answer

Four

Question 12

Which of the following is a common mistake when reading a graduated cylinder?

Accepted Answer

Reading from the top of the meniscus instead of the bottom.

Question 13

A student measures a liquid and records $$37.0\ \mathrm{mL} in a $$graduated cylinder marked every 1 mL. What does the zero in $$37.0$$ indicate?

Accepted Answer

The measurement was estimated to the tenths place, showing greater precision.

Question 14

Why is it important to use the correct number of significant figures when reporting scientific measurements?

Accepted Answer

To accurately reflect the precision of the measuring instrument.

Question 15

A student measures the length of a wooden splint as $$8.2\ \mathrm{cm}$$ using a ruler marked in 0.1 cm increments. Which digit is the estimated digit?

Accepted Answer

The '2' in $$8.2$$

Measurement and Significant Figures in Chemistry

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