My problem states the mass of the electron is 9.10939 x10-31kg. It wants me to express the mass of the electron to 1, 2, 3, and 4 significant figures. I don't need just the answer but an explaination on how to arrive at the answer.
Well, if you want to express the mass of the electron to a certain number of significant figures, you need to consider the digits and determine which ones are significant.
To express the mass of the electron to 1 significant figure, you'll have to round it to the first digit. In this case, since the second digit is 1, which is less than 5, you can round down. So, the mass of the electron to 1 significant figure would be 9 x 10^-31 kg.
To express it to 2 significant figures, you need to consider the first two digits. Since the second digit is 1, which is again less than 5, you can round down. Therefore, the mass of the electron to 2 significant figures would be 9.1 x 10^-31 kg.
To express it to 3 significant figures, you consider the first three digits. The third digit is 9, which is greater than 5, so you round up. Therefore, the mass of the electron to 3 significant figures would be 9.11 x 10^-31 kg.
Finally, to express it to 4 significant figures, you consider the first four digits. The fourth digit is 0, which means you don't have to round anything. Hence, the mass of the electron to 4 significant figures would be 9.109 x 10^-31 kg.
Remember, when rounding to significant figures, if the digit you are rounding is followed by a 5 or above, you round up. If it's 4 or below, you round down.
To express the mass of the electron to a specific number of significant figures, you need to understand the concept of significant figures and rounding rules. Here's how you can express the mass of the electron to 1, 2, 3, and 4 significant figures:
1. To express the mass of the electron to 1 significant figure, you need to round the value to the nearest one. Since the first significant digit is 9, the mass of the electron, 9.10939 x 10^(-31) kg, can be rounded to 9 x 10^(-31) kg.
2. To express the mass of the electron to 2 significant figures, you need to round the value to the nearest two digits. In this case, the second significant digit is 1. Since the next digit, 0, is less than 5, you can round down. Therefore, the mass of the electron becomes 9.1 x 10^(-31) kg.
3. To express the mass of the electron to 3 significant figures, you need to round the value to the nearest three digits. Again, the second significant digit is 1, and the third significant digit is 0. Since the next digit, 9, is greater than 5, you round up the second significant digit. Hence, the mass of the electron is 9.11 x 10^(-31) kg.
4. To express the mass of the electron to 4 significant figures, you follow the same rounding rule. The fourth significant digit is 0, and the next digit, 3, is less than 5. Therefore, the third significant digit remains the same, and the mass of the electron is 9.109 x 10^(-31) kg.
Remember to always round to the nearest digit based on the next digit in question.
To express the mass of the electron to a specific number of significant figures, you need to understand the concept of significant figures. Significant figures, also known as significant digits, are the digits in a measurement or number that carry meaningful information. Here's how you can express the mass of the electron to different numbers of significant figures:
1. One significant figure: The first step is to identify the first significant digit, which in this case is 9.10939 x 10^-31 kg. To express the mass of the electron to one significant figure, round the number to the closest multiple of 10 raised to the exponent. Therefore, the mass of the electron with one significant figure is 9 x 10^-31 kg.
2. Two significant figures: To express the mass of the electron to two significant figures, consider the first two significant digits: 9.10939 x 10^-31 kg. Round the number to the closest value considering these two digits. In this case, it becomes 9.1 x 10^-31 kg.
3. Three significant figures: Considering the first three significant digits, round the number to the closest value. For the mass of the electron (9.10939 x 10^-31 kg), it becomes 9.11 x 10^-31 kg.
4. Four significant figures: Finally, you can express the mass of the electron to four significant figures. Take into account the first four significant digits and round the number accordingly. For the given mass (9.10939 x 10^-31 kg), it becomes 9.109 x 10^-31 kg.
By following these steps, you can express the mass of the electron to the desired number of significant figures. Remember to round the numbers appropriately based on the digits that carry meaningful information.
OK. Thanks for typing the WHOLE question. This makes sense.
One s.f.
9
Two s.f.
9.1
Three s.f.
9.11
Four s.f.
9.109
Five s.f.
9.1094
Six s.f.
9.10938
All have the x 10^-31 kg following the number. Do you see how this was done.
Here is a site to give you some reading about s.f.
http://www.chemteam.info/SigFigs/SigFigs.html