Density and Significant Figures
This simulation demonstrates how to calculate density while maintaining proper significant figures, based on Example 2.14 from your Physics textbook.
1.0 cm³
0.8 cm³
0.6 cm³
0.4 cm³
0.2 cm³
5.74
3 significant figures
1.2
2 significant figures
Density = Mass / Volume
Density Calculation
Significant Figures Rules for Division
When dividing measurements, the result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.
In this case, the volume has fewer significant figures (2) than the mass (3), so the density should be reported with 2 significant figures.
Example 2.14 Solution:
Given mass = 5.74 g (3 significant figures)
Given volume = 1.2 cm³ (2 significant figures)
Density = 5.74 g / 1.2 cm³ = 4.783... g/cm³
Rounded to 2 significant figures: 4.8 g/cm³
