lOMoARcPSD|21507424

Module 1 Rules on Significant Figures and Dimensional

Analysis
Chemistry (Western Philippines University)

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

Downloaded by Alice Rivera ([email protected])
 Module 1: Significant Figures, Rounding Numbers,
CHEM
18.1 and Unit Conversion Using Dimensional Analysis
1st Sem AY 2022- Discussion Study Guide
2023

I. Introduction OUTLI At the endLEARNING

of this discussion, the student
OBJECTIVES
II. Scientific Notation
III. Rules on the Use of Significant Figures
A. Non-zero Digits
B. Zeros in Measurements
C. Exact Numbers and Physical Constants
IV. Rules for Rounding Off Numbers
V. Significant Figures and Mathematical
Operations
A. Addition and Substraction
B. Multiplication and Division
C. Logarithm
D. Exponential and Antilogarithm
E. Multiple Operations
F. Averaging Values
VI. Dimensional Analysis
A. Unit Conversion Using Dimensional
Analysis
B. Metric System of Measurements
VII. Answers to SAQs

I. INTRODUCTION
Significant figures are the meaningful digits in a measured or calculated quantity. They are used to
indicate the margin of error in a measurement since it is often impossible to obtain the exact value of the
quantity under investigation. The rules of significant figures that will be discussed below can be simply
summarized by this statement: the calculated quantity cannot be more accurate than the least
accurate measurement.

Measuring devices give a specific uncertainty in the measurement. When using significant figures in
reporting data obtained from these devices, the last digit is understood to be uncertain. These measuring
devices can be further improved to obtain more significant figures, but in every case, the last digit is
always uncertain; the amount of this uncertainty depends on the measuring device being used. For
example, a common ruler cannot measure something to be 14.9754991 cm long. Not all the digits have
meaning or significance and, therefore, should not be written down. Only the numbers that have
significance are reported. Tolerance is an inherent precision associated with every glassware and
equipment used in the laboratory. It is expressed as an uncertainty in the measured value, and it reflects
the limitations in reading the instrument.

II. SCIENTIFIC NOTATION

Before you go to the rules on the use of significant figures, you must first understand the concept of the
scientific notation. The scientific notation is a system of writing very large or very small numbers into a
shorthand and simplified form. It is important because there are cases when it is not convenient to report
numerical answers with a bountiful number of digits. For example, instead of writing the calculated mass a
substance as 0.0000000065 g, one can write it as 6.5 × 10-9 g. Generally, any number can be expressed
using the scientific notation following this form:
N × 10n

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the General1 of Mod
Downloaded by Alice Rivera
N can any real number whose absolute value must be greater than or equal to 1 but less than 10, i.e., 1 � INI < 10. n,
which
is the exponent of 10, can be any integer (… -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …). The value of n is the number of places
the decimal point must be shifted to convert the number back into the long form. Moving the decimal point
to the left must make n a positive integer while moving the decimal point to the right must make n a
negative integer.

Examples:
1. 0.0006543 m = 6.543 × 10-4 m
Check N: The number 6.543 greater than 1 but less than 10.
Check n: The decimal point was moved to the right by four places, thus n = -4.

2. 101325 Pa = 1.01325 × 105 Pa

Check N: The number 1.01325 is greater than 1 but less than 10.
Check n: After the last digit (5), there is “hidden” decimal point. The decimal point was
moved to the left by five places, thus n = 5.

SAQ 1. Write the following numbers in proper scientific

The following
notation. 1) are rules in determing the number of significant figures:
0.000005152
2) 600003
3) 5561.74 A. NON-ZERO DIGITS
NON-ZERO
4) 0.08206DIGITS – All non-zero digits are significant.

Examples: 397 kg – 3 significant

III. RULES ON THE USE OF SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
figures 1,239 m – 4
significant figures

When a number is written in scientific notation, the number of significant figures is indicated by the N term.

Example: 6.543 × 10-4 m – 4 significant figures (because the 6.543 term has 4 significant figures)

B. ZEROS IN MEASUREMENTS
There may be some confusion about the zero in a measurement. Rules will be used to determine whether
the zeros are significant or not.
1. Trailing zeros - Final zeros after a decimal point. They are always significant.

Example: The weight of an object measured on an analytical balance is reported as 25.330 g. The
trailing zero is a significant figure, and 25.330 g has five significant figures.

2. Captive zeros – Zeros that are found between any two non-zero digits. They are always significant.

Example: A barometer read an atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa. This value has six significant
figures.

3. Leading zeros – Zeros that precede all the non-zero digits.

a. Zeros before a decimal point are not significant.

Example: A measured volume of 0.36 mL only has two significant figures. The zero is not
significant.

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 2 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 b. When there are no digits before a decimal point or when the digit before a decimal point is
zero, the zeros after the decimal point preceding other non-zero digits are not significant.

Example: In the numbers 0.015 and 0.0026 g there are only two significant figures in both
cases. The zeros in these two numbers only indicate the position of the decimal point and
are not significant.

4. Final zeros in a whole number.

a. Final zeros are significant if the unit of the quantity is measurable. Measurable quantities
include mass, length, temperature, electric current, etc.

Examples: 20 kg – 2 significant figures (mass is

measurable) 1200 cm – 4 significant figures
(length is measurable)

Another way to explicitly show that the final zeros in a whole number are significant is to
write the whole number in scientific notation.

Example: A certain drug has a dosage of 500 mg. If you want to express 500 mg in two
significant figures, you may write it as 5.0 × 102 mg. Likewise, if you want to express it in
four significant figures, you may write 5.000 × 102 mg (alternatively, you can also write
500.0 mg).

b. Final zeros in numbers with units that are countable contain an infinite number of
significant figures as these values can be written with zeros after a decimal point that
goes indefinitely.

Examples: 20 bananas, 1200 coins, and 450 pieces all have an infinite number of
significant figures because these quantities are countable.

NOTE: In the context of CHEM 18.1, all final zeros are significant.

C. EXACT NUMBERS AND PHYSICAL CONSTANTS

Any number that is exact such as the number 3 in the statement, “there are three feet in one yard”, is said
to have an unlimited or infinite number of significant figures. The same rules apply for physical constants
such as Avogadro’s number (NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol-1), speed of light in vacuum (c = 2.998 × 108 m/s),
etc. Moreover, if an object has a mass of 5.89 g, then the mass of five such objects is 29.5 g (5.89 g × 5).
The resulting mass has three significant figures due to the number of significant figures of the starting
mass. The multiplier 5 is an exact number; hence, it does not determine the number of significant figures
of the resulting value.

The molar mass of atoms and compounds will also be treated as constants. For example, the molar mass
of NaOH is calculated as:

1 Na 22.99 g/mol
1O 16.00 g/mol
1H 1.008 g/mol
NaOH 39.998 g/mol

Thus, the molar mass of NaOH is 39.998 g/mol. This value is treated as a constant when used in
succeeding calculations, and thus, has an infinite number of significant figures. Also, molar masses are not
rounded off – the complete, unrounded value is used.

SAQ 2. Determine the number of significant figures of the following

quantities. 1) 0.0003 mol 6) 0.30700 mL
2) 45.030 g 7) R = 8.3145 J/mol·K
3) 1000 chocolate bars 8) 2000 km
4) 1.0003 × 10-4 A 9) G = 6.674 × 10-11 N•m2/kg2
5) 15566 light-years 10) 220.00 V

IV. RULES FOR ROUNDING OFF NUMBERS

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023
No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 3 of Module 1 Discussion SG
When the answer to a calculation contains too many significant figures, it must be rounded off to the
proper number of significant figures. The rules for rounding off are summarized as follows:

1. If the digit to be removed is less than 5, drop this digit and leave the remaining number unchanged.

Example: 1.24 becomes 1.2 when rounded off to two significant figures.
2. If the digit to be removed is equal to or greater than 5, drop this digit and increase the preceding
digit by one.

Examples: 2.45 becomes 2.5 and 1.28 becomes 1.3 when rounded off to two significant figures.

V. SIGNIFICANT FIGURES AND MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS

The following are rules in using significant figures when performing calculations:

A. ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION

The sum or difference should have the same number of digits to the right of the decimal point as the
number in the problem with the least number of digits to the right of the decimal point. Carry out the
subtraction or addition using the numbers, and then round off the result to the correct number of digits.

Sample Problem 1: 142.52 g + 2.901 g – 23.5 g

142.52 g
+ 2.901 g
- 23.5 g
= 121.921 g
:: 121.9 g

Since there is only one digit to the right of the decimal point of 23.5, the final answer should be reported as
121.9 g which has one digit after the decimal point.

When the quantities are expressed in scientific notation, all numbers are first converted to the same power
of 10, and the N values are added or subtracted

Sample Problem 2: 5.619 × 10-2 mol + 1.82 × 10-4 mol

5.619 × 10-2 mol + 1.82 × 10-4 mol

= 5.619 × 10-2 mol + 0.0182 × 10-2 mol
= 5.6372 × 10-2 mol :: 5.637 × 10-2 mol

Alternatively, you can expand the numbers in scientific notation to their long form before performing
addition or subtraction. Note that 5.619 × 10-2 mol = 0.05619 mol, and 1.82 × 10-4 mol = 0.000182 mol.

0.05619 mol
+ 0.000182 mol
= 0.056372 mol
:: 0.05637 mol

Note that 0.05637 mol = 5.637 × 10-2 mol.

B. MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION

The product or quotient should have the same number of significant figures as the number in the problem
with the least number of significant figures.

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 4 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 (2.5)(27.2)
Sample Problem
3:

= 20.79510703 ≈ 𝟐𝟏
(3.270)
The least accurate number (2.5) only has two significant figures. Therefore, the answer should also have
two significant figures.

The same rule holds when the numbers are expressed in scientific

notation. Sample Problem 4: (4.93 × 10-5)(2.5 × 102)

(4.93 × 10-5)(2.5 × 102) = 1.2325 × 10-2 :: 1.2 × 10-2

3 SF 2 SF 2 SF
Since the number in the problem with the least number of significant figures is 2.5 × 102 (two significant
figures), it follows that the final answer should also have two significant figures.

C. LOGARITHM
When taking the logarithm of a certain value, the number of significant figures of the argument (the
numbers inside the parenthesis of the logarithm) should be equal to the number of digits of the mantissa
(the numbers on the right of the decimal point of the answer).

Sample Problem 5: To obtain the pH of a solution, you must obtain the negative logarithm of the
hydronium ion (H3O+) concentration. Thus, to calculate the pH of an acetic acid solution with [H3O+] of
1.36 x 10–5 M:

pH = – log (1.36 x 10–5 M) = 4.866

3 SF 3 digits to the right of decimal point

The argument (1.36 x 10–5 M) has three significant figures. Therefore, the mantissa should have three
digits. The characteristic (the numbers to the left of the decimal point) is not included in counting the
number of significant figures.

D. EXPONENTIAL OR ANTILOGARITHM
Exponentiation or antilogarithm is the inverse of logarithm such that antilog (x) = 10x. It uses the same
rules when taking the logarithm of a value. The number of digits in the mantissa of the logarithm
corresponds to the number of significant figures of the answer.

Sample Problem 6: Given a certain pH, one can solve for the concentration of H3O+ in the solution by
taking the antilogarithm of the negative of the pH value. Thus, to calculate the [H3O+] of a hydrocyanic
acid solution with a pH of 5.32:

[H3O+] = antilog (-5.32) = 10–5.32 = 4.8 x 10–6 M

2 digits after decimal point 2 SF

The mantissa of the argument has two digits or has two numbers on the right of the decimal point. Hence,
the result of this antilogarithm should be expressed in two significant figures.

E. MULTIPLE OPERATIONS
Oftentimes, you to carry out successive operations in calculations in order to arrive at a final answer. For
calculations like this, it is useful to utilize the GEMDAS rule (Groupings, Exponents, Multiplication or Division,
Addition or Subtraction).

Note: For all the examples below, assume all values are measurable

34.579
quantities. Sample Problem 7:

(3.016 + 5.9)(2.73)

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 5 of Module 1 Discussion SG
Following the GEMDAS rule when doing calculations that involve both multiplication or division and addition
or subtraction, first perform a computation for the operation shown in parenthesis. Hence, you must first
simplify the (3.016 + 5.9) term.

(3.016 + 5.9) = 8.916

Now, following the rules for significant figures for addition, the sum is 8.9, with 2 significant figures.

(3.016 + 5.9) ≈ 8.9 (2 𝑆𝐹)

After you have simplified the term, substitute it to the original expression. However, you must substitute the
one that was NOT rounded off. Just take note of the number of significant figures of the simplified term.

34.579
(8.916)(2.73) Do not round off yet.
Just take note that this has 2 SF.
IMPORTANT: Avoid rounding off intermediate answers when calculating in order to arrive at a more

accurate result. Simplify the expression without rounding off between operations.

34.579
= 1.420625882
(8.916)(2.73)

Now, 34.579 has five significant figures, 2.73 has three significant figures, and 8.916 (as explained above)
has two significant figures. Following the rules for significant figures for multiplication and division, the
final answer should have two significant figures. Therefore,

34.579
≈
(3.016 + 5.9)(2.73)
𝟏. 𝟒
Sample Problem 8:

8.24 − 2.9398
First, simplify the operation on the 1.655
numerator.

8.24 − 2.9398 =
5.3002

Following the rules for significant figures for subtraction,

8.24 − 2.9398 = 5.30 (3 𝑆𝐹)

Substitute the simplified term to the original expression. Again, substitute the one that was NOT rounded off,
and just take note of the number of significant figures.

5.300
Do not round off yet.
Just take note that this has 3 SF.
2
1.65
Simplify the
5.300
5
expression.

= 3.202537764
2
1.655

Now, 1.655 has four significant figures, and 5.3002 (as explained above) has three significant figures.
Following the rules for significant figures for division, the final answer should have three significant figures.

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 6 of Module 1 Discussion SG
Therefore,

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 7 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 8.24 − 2.9398
≈ 𝟑. 𝟐𝟎
1.655

F. AVERAGING VALUES
Taking the average is done when successive measurements or several replicates of an experiment were
made. When taking successive readings or several trials of a certain experiment, the same measuring
tools and experimental methods are employed. Thus, the obtained values usually have the same number
of digits after the decimal point. Now, the mean or the average value cannot be more accurate than the
original set of values. Therefore, the average should have the same number of digits after the decimal
point as the values in the original set.

Sample Problem 9:

A chemist wants to measure the calcium content of a certain mineral. The chemist first processed the
mineral until all the calcium it contained has been transformed into calcium oxide (CaO). He used
gravimetric methods to obtain the mass of the CaO. He made three (3) replicates for his experiments, and
all replicates were treated in exactly the same way. The data he obtained is summarized below. Calculate
the average mass of CaO.

Trial Mass of CaO

(g)
1 6.7305
2 6.9841
3 6.4059

6.7305 𝑔 + 6.9841 𝑔 + 20.1205 𝑔

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 6.4059 𝑔 = 6.706833333 𝑔 ≈ 𝟔. 𝟕𝟎𝟔𝟖 𝒈
𝐶𝑎𝑂 = 3
3
=

The average value should be reported with four digits after the decimal point because the original values of
the replicates also have four digits after the decimal point.

There might be instances when the values in the data set to be averaged do not have the same number of
digits after the decimal point. For such cases, the number of digits after the decimal point should be the
same for both the average value and the data with the least number of decimal places.

Sample Problem 10:

The surface tension of an unknown liquid was determined using the drop weight method. After performing
three trials and doing the necessary calculations, the following surface tension values were obtained: 9.97
dyne/cm, 10.1 dyne/cm, and
10.45 dyne/cm. Calculate the average surface tension of the unknown liquid.
𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒
9.97 + 10.1 + 10.45 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒
𝑐𝑚 𝑐𝑚 30.52
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑐𝑚 = 𝑐𝑚 = 𝑑𝑦𝑛 𝒅𝒚𝒏𝒆
𝑒 ≈ 𝟏𝟎.
10.17333333 𝟐 𝒄𝒎
𝑐𝑚
3
3

The average should be reported with one digit after the decimal point because the least accurate data (10.1
dyne/cm) only has one digit after the decimal point.

1) 2.33 – 3.67 + 7.5423 – 1.1195) ( 6.199 )(8.9990)

SAQ 3. Perform the following operations and report the final answer in correct number of significant figures.

(3.70)(5.5)
3.2-4.790
2) 6) (46.71/2.30) + 2.5000
2.558
3)CHEM
log (553.2)
18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023
4) antilog (2.718) No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 8 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 VI. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Dimensional analysis is powerful technique used in calculations. It involves multiplying or dividing certain
quantities so that the undesired units cancel out and only the desired unit remains.

A. UNIT CONVERSION USING DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Measurements are meaningful only when they are expressed in proper unit(s). In cases where
measurements are not expressed in the desired unit, factor-label method, more popularly known as
dimensional analysis can be used to interchange one unit to another. The method of dimensional analysis
is based on the relationship between different units that express the same physical quantity. For example,
it is known that 1 inch is exactly equal to 2.54 centimeters. Hence, a conversion factor for converting
inches to centimeter (or vice versa) can be written as follows:

1 𝑖𝑛
𝑜𝑟 2.54
2.54 𝑐𝑚
𝑐𝑚
1 𝑖𝑛.
Both conversion factors are equivalent since the numerator and the denominator pertains to the same
length, although different in units.

Sample Problem 11: Express 15.36 in. to cm.

For this conversion, the useful relationship is 1 in. = 2.54 cm. Set up the conversion factor using this
relationship.
2.54 𝑐𝑚
15.36 𝑖𝑛 ×
1 𝑖𝑛 = 𝟑𝟗. 𝟎𝟏 𝒄𝒎

Notice how the conversion factor cancelled the undesired unit (for this case, the inches) to give the desired
unit (which is centimeters). Also, take note that final answer was reported in four significant figures since
the conversion factor is considered as an exact number, and hence, has an infinite number of significant
figures.

As illustrated above, using the correct conversion factor is crucial in dimensional analysis. What if you
used the wrong conversion factor?

1 𝑖𝑛
𝑖𝑛2
.36 𝑖𝑛 × = 6.047
15
2.54 𝑐𝑚 𝑐𝑚

As shown above, using the wrong conversion factor will not cancel the undesired unit, and you will not arrive
at the desired unit.

In general, the relationship

given quantity × conversion factor = desired

quantity is used to apply the dimensional analysis and the units cancel as

follows:

𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑
𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 ×
𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡

Table S1 of the Supplementary Material shows some common conversion factors.

B. METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENTS

Scientists devised the metric system in recording measurements wherein units are related by the powers
of 10. In 1960, the metric system was revised by the General Conference of Weights and Measures. This

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 9 of Module 1 Discussion SG
new system was then called the International System of Units (SI, from the French Système Internationale
d’Unites). Table S2 lists the seven SI base units

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 10 of Module 1 Discussion SG
from which the other units of measurements can be derived. Some examples of these SI derived units are
listed in Table S3.

For SI units of measurement, prefixes are used to form decimal multiples of a unit. Table S4 shows the
series of prefixes that can be used to modify the SI units. These modifications provide a more convenient
way to express measurements with magnitudes that are too large or too small. During modifications, the
equivalent values of each prefix can be used as conversion factors. For example, if 1 kilometer is equal to
1000 m or 1 x 103 m, the conversion factor is as follows:

1 𝑘𝑚 1 ×
1 × 10 𝑚 103𝑚
𝑜𝑟 1 𝑘𝑚
3

Sample Problem 12: Convert 9.80 km

to m.

For this problem, the useful relationship is 1 km = 1 x 103 m.

1 × 103 𝑚
9.80 𝑘𝑚 × = 𝟗. 𝟖𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝒎
1 𝑘𝑚

Again, make sure that the conversion factor used is correct so that the undesired unit gets cancelled and
the desired unit remains. Also, take note that the final answer for this particular example should have three
significant figures.

Sample Problem 13: The speed of light in vacuum, c, is known to be 2.998 x 108 m/s. Convert this speed to
km/hr.

For this example, the following are the useful relationships: 1 km = 1000 m, 60 s = 1 min, and 60 min = 1

𝑚 𝑘𝑚 𝑚 1 𝑘𝑚 𝑘𝑚
hr. This problem can be tackled by doing a series of conversions.

𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 : 2.998 × 108 × = 2.998 × 105

𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 1000 𝑚 𝑠
𝑘𝑚 𝑘𝑚 𝑘𝑚 𝑠 𝑘𝑚
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 : 2.998 × 105 × = 1.7988 × 107
60

𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑠 𝑚𝑖
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑛
1

𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑘𝑚 𝑘𝑚 𝒌𝒎
𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑚 : 1.7988 × = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟕𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟗
× 𝑚𝑖𝑛
60

𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝒉
107

𝑟 ℎ𝑟 𝒓
ℎ 1

Alternatively, you can also perform the conversion with just one equation.
𝑚
.998 × 108 × 𝒌𝒎
𝑘𝑚 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟕𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟗
1

× 𝑠 × 𝑚𝑖𝑛
2 60 60

𝑠 1000 𝑚 𝒉
𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟 𝒓
1 1

Again, notice how the undesired units cancel out and only the desired units remain. This particular example
illustrates how you can use multiple conversion factors to arrive at the desired units.

SAQ 4. Perform the following conversions.

2) 7.45 × 10 mol to number of atoms (1 mol = 6.02

3)× 5.56174 × 103
1) 5.152 × 10-6
SAQ1)1 0.333 yr to-3 minutes SAQ 3

×
1023 atoms)
2) 6.00003 ×
6
3) 9.91 10 μm (micrometers)
to feet 4) 1.65 m3 to cm3
105
5) 9.81 m/s2 to mi/hr2
st
CHEM
VII. 18.1 1 Sem
ANSWERS 2022-2023
TO SAQs
No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 11 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 1) 5.08
2) 8.0

×
3) 2.7429
4) 522 or 5.22
102

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 12 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 4) 8.206 × 10-2 5) -35
6) 22.8

SAQ SAQ 4

1) 1.75 × 105
2
1) 1 6) 5

2) 4.48 × 1021
minutes
2) 5
atoms

4) 1.65 × 106 cm3

3) 8 4 3) 32.5 ft

5) 7.95 × 104 mi/hr2

4) 5
5) 5 10)
5

VIII. REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED LINKS

● BODNER GM, PORDUE HL. Chemistry: An Experimental Science, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. 1994.
● BRESCIA F, ARENTS J, MEISLICH H,TURK A. Fundamentals of Chemistry. 4th ed. New York Academic Press.
1983.
● BROWN TE, LEMAY HE, BURSTEN BE. Chemistry: The Central Science. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 1999.
● CHANG R. Chemistry, 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2010.
● CHANG R. General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts, 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2008.
● MORTIMER CE. Chemistry: A Conceptual Approach. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1968
● NYMAN CJ,KING GB. Problems for General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis. 2nd ed. New York: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1971.
● PIERCE, WC, HAENISCH EL, SAWYER DT. Quantitative Analysis, 4th ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
1958.
● SIENKO MJ, PLANE RA. Chemistry, 4th ed. Michigan: Edwards Bros. 1955.
● SISLER HH, STEWART JJ, LIPPINCOTT WT. A Systematic Laboratory Course in General Chemistry, 2nd
ed. New York: The McMillan Co. 1950.
● ZUMDAHL SS. Chemical Principles. 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. 1998.

SUGGESTED LINKS
These supplementary videos might help you further understand the topic:

Khan Academy. (2011, April 21). Multiplying and dividing with significant figures [Video].
Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/arith-review-decimals/
arithmetic-significant-figures- tutorial/v/multiplying-and-dividing-with-significant-figures

Khan Academy. (2011, April 21). Addition and subtraction with significant figures [Video].
Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/arith-review-decimals/
arithmetic-significant-figures- tutorial/v/addition-and-subtraction-with-significant-figures

Tyler DeWitt. (2012, September 12). Converting Units using Multiple Conversion Factors [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdZ00OFAfaQ

IX. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

Table S1. Common unit conversion factors.

Physical Property Commonly-used units Conversio
n
1 in. = 2.54 cm
Inch (in.)
12 in. = 1 ft.
Length
Meter (m) 1000 m = 1 km
Kilometer (km) 1.6 km = 1 mi.
1000 g = 1 kg
Gram (g) 1 g = 5 carats
28.35 g = 1 oz.
CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023
No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 13 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 1 kg = 2.2 lbs
Mass Kilogram (kg)
907 kg = 1 dry ton
30 mL = 1 fl. oz.
Milliliter (mL)
Volume 1 mL = 1 cm3
Liter (L) 1 L = 1000 mL

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 14 of Module 1 Discussion SG
 3.8 L = 1 gal.
°F − 32
Degrees Celsius (°C) °C = 1.8
°C = K – 273.15
Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) °F = 1.8°C + 32
Kelvin (K) K = °C + 273.15
Rankine (R) R = °F + 460
60 s = 1 min
Second (s) 3600 s = 1 hr
86400 s = 1 day
Time
Minute (min) 60 min = 1 hr
Hour (hr) 24 hrs = 1 day
Year (yr) 1 yr = 365 days

Table S2. Fundamental SI units.

Base Quantity Name of Unit Symbol
Length meter m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second s
Electric current ampere A
Temperature kelvin K
Amount of substance mole mol
Luminous intensity candela cd

Table S3. Common derived SI units.

Derived Quantity Name of Unit Symbol
Area square meter m 2
Volume cubic meter m3
Speed, Velocity meter per second m/s
Acceleration meter per square second m/s2
Density kilogram per cubic meter kg/m3
Concentration mole per cubic meter mol/m3

Table S4. SI prefixes.

Prefix Symbol Meaning Exampl
e
yotta- Y 1024 1 yottameter (Ym) = 1024 m
zetta- Z 1021 1 zottameter (Zm) = 1021 m
exa- E 1018 1 exameter (Em) = 1018 m
peta- P 1015 1 petameter (Pm) = 1015 m
tera- T 1012 1 terameter (Tm) = 1012 m
giga- G 109 1 gigameter (Gm) = 109 m
mega- M 106 1 megameter (Mm) = 106 m
kilo- k 103 1 kilometer (km) = 103 m
hecto- h 102 1 hectometer (hm) = 102 m
deka- da 101 1 dekameter (dam) = 101 m
100 1 meter = 100 m
deci- d 10-1 1 decimeter (dm) = 10-1 m
centi- c 10-2 1 centimeter (cm) = 10-2 m
milli- m 10-3 1 millimeter (mm) = 10-3 m
micro- μ 10-6 1 micrometer (μm) = 10-6 m
nano- n 10-9 1 nanometer (nm) = 10-9 m
pico- p 10-12 1 picometer (pm) = 10-12 m
femto- f 10-15 1 femtometer (fm) = 10-15 m

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 15 of Module 1 Discussion SG
atto- a 10-18 1 attometer (am) = 10-18 m
zepto- z 10-21 1 zeptometer (zm) = 10-21 m
yocto- y 10-24 1 yoctometer (ym) = 10-24 m

CHEM 18.1 1st Sem 2022-2023

No part of this module may be reprinted without the written permission of the
General 16 of Module 1 Discussion SG