PSS Powerpoint Flashcards
(13 cards)
How are all measurements acquired?
Through the use of an instrument
Uncertainty
The degree of inexactness in a measurement
What are the most commonly used metric system units in a lab? (3)
cm, g, and mL
Mass
The amount of matter contained in an object
How is mass measured?
With a balance; not affected by gravity
Volume
The amount of space occupied by matter
Significant digits/figures
Includes all values known with certainty
Exact Numbers
Counting rather than measuring; significant digit rules do not apply
Nonsignificant digits
Leading and trailing zeros (unless there’s a decimal)
What is the limit when adding or subtracting measurements?
It is limited by the value with the most uncertainty
What is the limit whan multiplying or dividing measurements?
It’s limited by the value with the fewest significant figures
Exponential numbers
A number to the nth power
Scientific Notation
Expresses very large/small numbers more conveniently
