when an object was weightedon a top loading balance the balance display read 13.730 the mass was recorded as 13.73g what is wrong with that explain the answer
2 answers
The mass of the object was known to five (5) significant figures but was recorded to only four (4). In other words, you threw away one significant figure.
There may be nothing wrong with recording the mass as 13.73 g if for example the next step determines the volume to 2 sig figs and the objective is to calculate the density, which would be to 2 sig figs.
I think the question setter is trying to get at recording the sig figs as displayed on the balance, then round as required.
Another thing is that we are not told that the balance is measuring in g, it might be in oz for example. So that the display shows 13.730 we have assumed that the display is in g.
I think the question setter is trying to get at recording the sig figs as displayed on the balance, then round as required.
Another thing is that we are not told that the balance is measuring in g, it might be in oz for example. So that the display shows 13.730 we have assumed that the display is in g.
2 answers