Page 1: Introduction to Measurement and Significant Figures

This page introduces fundamental concepts of measurement and significant figures in scientific calculations. The content explores how confidence in measurements is demonstrated through significant digits and explains the rules for determining significant figures.

Definition: Significant figures are digits that provide useful information in measurements and indicate the precision level of the measurement.

Highlight: Every measurement inherently contains some degree of uncertainty due to equipment limitations.

Example: The measurement 35g versus 35.0g demonstrates different precision levels, with 35.0g showing greater precision (3 significant figures).

Vocabulary: Meniscus - the curved surface of a liquid in a measuring container, typically measured from the bottom of the curve.

The page also covers percent error calculations, providing a mathematical framework for determining measurement accuracy: Percent Error = [(actual - measured)/actual] × 100