Page 1: Significant Figures and Classification of Matter
This page covers the rules for significant figures and introduces the classification of matter.
Definition: Significant figures are digits in a number that carry meaning and contribute to its precision.
Significant Figures Rules:
- Any non-zero digit is significant
- Zeros between significant digits are significant
- Zeros to the right of a decimal and after other significant figures are significant
Example: In the number 1002.00, all digits are significant.
Addition and Subtraction: The answer should have the same number of significant figures after the decimal as the number with the least precision.
Multiplication and Division: The answer should be rounded to have the same number of significant figures as the least precise number in the calculation.
Classification of Matter:
- Particles: Can refer to atoms or molecules
- Atom: The smallest unit of an element
- Molecule: Chemically bonded atoms
- Element: A group of one type of atom
- Compound: A group of one or more types of atoms
- Pure substance: All particles are the same
- Mixture: A physical blend of different particles
Vocabulary: Density is defined as mass divided by volume.
Atomic Emissions Spectra:
- Electrons prefer lower energy levels
- Electrons gain energy by absorbing light
- Excited electrons move to higher energy levels
- Energy is released as light when electrons return to lower levels
Definition: Ground state is when an electron is at its lowest energy level.
Isotopes:
- Atoms of the same element with different masses
- Same number of protons, different number of neutrons









