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IC - Analyzing & Interpreting Data (Lesson)

Analyzing & Interpreting Data

Introduction

The final science and engineering practices involved in the scientific method are analyzing and interpreting data and using math and computational thinking. Several skills are required during these crucial steps. In this lesson, we will review the concept of drawing conclusions from scientific data, and explore the importance of significant digits and scientific notation in measurements, and introduce the process of dimensional analysis when completing metric conversions.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data and Using Math and Computational Thinking

In this segment of Chemistry Matters the two Science and Engineering Practices of Analyzing and Interpreting Data and Using Math and Computational Thinking are explored. We also learn about significant figures and the importance of data replication in an experiment. After viewing the video, try to construct a possible explanation or conclusion that explains sound reasoning for the Ogeechee River Fish Kill.

Based on the evidence presented in the video, which of the following statements would be a plausible explanation for the mass fish killing?

  • The high alkaline level (basic pH) in the water caused the fish to die.
  • A low pH caused the fish to die.
  • The temperature of the water deprived the fish of oxygen and caused the fish to die.

Significant Figures Practice

Let’s take a closer look at significant figures as they are an important aspect of analyzing and interpreting data.

Rules for Determining Significant Figures

1. All non-zero numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) are ALWAYS significant.

  • Examples:
    • 342 3 significant figures
    • 91 2 significant figures
    • 4,957.64 6 significant figures

2. Zeroes that are between two non-zero numbers are ALWAYS significant.

  • Examples:
    • 104 3 significant figures
    • 9,904 4 significant figures
    • 870.06 5 significant figures

3. If a number does not have a decimal point, the zeroes at the end of the number are place holders. These zeroes are NOT significant.

  • Examples:
    • 990,000 2 significant figures
    • 10 1 significant figure
    • 760,400 4 significant figures (the zero between the 6 and 4 IS significant- see rule 2)

4. If a number begins with a decimal point, the zeroes at the beginning are place holders. These zeroes are NOT significant.

  • Examples:
    • 0.085 2 significant figures
    • 0.000394021 6 significant figures (the zero between the 4 and 2 IS significant- see rule 2)
    • 0.2 1 significant figure

5. If a number does have a decimal point, the zeroes at the end of the number are ALWAYS significant.

  • Examples:
    • 386.50 5 significant figures
    • 0.1290 4 significant figures
    • 0.006080 4 significant figures (the zero between the 6 and 8 IS significant- see rule 2)

Significant Figures Practice Self-Assessment

Identify the correct number of significant figures in the following. Hover over each value to reveal the answer.

Click here to download additional Significant Figures Practice with an answer key. Links to an external site.

Scientific Notation Video

Chemists are often required to contend with very large or very small measurements when analyzing data. Take a look at this video on scientific notation to discover an easier way to communicate these types of measurements.

Decimal Notation to Scientific Notation Practice

Download additional scientific notation practice. Links to an external site.

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