Scientific Notation

Scientific Notation

Scientific Notation • Also called “Exponential” Notation • A way to write very large and very small numbers (or measurements) without having to write a lot of zeros • Form is: N x 10n where 1<N<10 and n is an integer For example: a mole = 6.02 x 1023 particles

Any number or measurement can be written as scientific notation • Ex. 3.50 is 3.50 x 100 • Ex. 0.532 is 5.32 x 10-1 • Ex. 10590 is 1.059 x 104 To put numbers into and out of scientific notation, move the decimal and follow LARS when adjusting the exponent “Left Add Right Subtract”

Try these with me…put into scientific notation using LARS • 0.032 g • 145 m • 19000000 kg • .0000500 mL Now do set A (first half) on practice WS

Try these with me…put into scientific notation using LARS • 7.99 x 10-6 g • 3.00 x 108 m/s • 4.50 x 10-2 mm • 9.8020 x 105 J Now do set A (second half) on practice WS

Remember Sig. Figs. • The reason that scientists use scientific notation (besides the fact that it can be used to represent very large and very small numbers easily) is that it highlights the significant figures. • All the sig figs go in “N”! Now do set B on practice WS

Scientific Notation