How Do Significant Figures Affect Calculations in Chemistry?

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The discussion centers on the application of significant figures in chemistry calculations, specifically regarding the conversion of moles to grams for potassium hydroxide (KOH). The calculation presented involves 5.8 moles of KOH, which equals 325.438 grams when multiplied by the molar mass of 56.11 g/mole. Following the rules of significant figures, the final answer is correctly rounded to 330 grams (or 3.3E2 grams), reflecting two significant figures based on the initial measurement of 5.8 moles.

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garet122
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Hello

I have 5.8 moles of KOH. 1Mole of KOH= 56.11g
So: 5.8moles of KOH x 56.11g/1mole= 325.438g of KOH

If, I want to follow the significant figures rules, what is the answer?

Is it 330g? If yes, it seems inaccurate.
 
Last edited:
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Yes, 330g (or 3.3E2g) is correct. It probably seems a little large because you are rounding up from just over 5, but two significant figures is the correct number.
 

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