Chapter 3, Problem 3.7P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molecular mass with correct number of significant figures for ${\text{Mn}}_{\text{2}}{\left(\text{CO}\right)}_{\text{10}}$ has to be found.

Concept Introduction:

Significant figures: The digits having a meaning in a given number are called as significant figures.

Significant figures – calculation rules

• Significant figure is a non-zero number (4443.2 has five significant figures)
• Zeros placement in between non-zero number are significant figures (40005 has five significant figures).
• Zeros before the non-zero number are not significant number (0.00040005 has five significant figures).
• Zeros after the non-zero number are significant in case of that number contains decimal point (4.5000 has five significant figures).
• Zeros after the non-zero number may or may not be a significant figure in case of that number does not have a decimal point (500 may have 1, 2 or 3 significant figures).  In this cases use scientific notation to avoid ambiguity.