Question

Why is this 3 sig figs? Why is not 4 sig figs? (Question from AP chem)

Answer 1

Answer

1460 J

Explanation

Given data:

Step-by-step solution:

The quantity of heat absorbed by the water can be calculated using:

$\begin{gathered} Q=m_wc_w(T_f-T_w) \\ \\ Q=50.003\times4.184\times(32.80-24.95) \\ \\ Q=209\times7.85 \\ \\ Q=1640.65 \\ \\ To\text{ }correct\text{ }sig\text{ }figs \\ Q=1640J \end{gathered}$

The reason the answer is in 3 significant figures is because that the least sig figs in the parameters are/is in 3 sig figs i.e (32.80).

So the answer will be in the least significant figure in the parameters.