Understanding Significant Figures in Chemistry: A Beginner's Guide

[lj19]

I'm in Chemistry Honors. Could anyone explain what significant figures are to me, and how you determine the amount of significant figures?
[This is not for homework.] Thank you.

 

[Borek]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=significant+figures

 

[lj19]

I've looked online, and was trying to see if anyone on this site could help explain significant figures to me.

 

[Borek]

Once you try by yourself and you will have more specific questions - yes. But you have to start on your own.

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[lj19]

The teacher didn't exactly teach it that well for my class, so I don't understand how to determine how many significant digits a number or decimal has. I have tried to figure it out in class, but I don't understand how it works.

 

[Borek]

Have you read your book? Have you read article in wikipedia? Sorry, repeating things that are nicely explained in many places on the web is a waste of time.

 

[lj19]

Yes I have. I think I am just confused with how to determine the number of significant digits when there is a 0 before/after a decimal or just when a decimal's present. I have notes on it, and I've read online.

 

[Borek]

All leading zeros (regardless of where the decimal point is) are discarded. Or better - use scientific notation, there is no leading zeros then.

Actually this is exactly what second phrase at wikipedia tells about the problem.