Question

An oxygen molecule travels 0.7085 m in 1.47 x 10−3 s at 298 K. What is its velocity in m/sto the correct number of significant figures? could someone give me a detailed walk through of this problem, studying for a test and unsure how to complete this.

Answer 1

ANSWER:

Given

Distance = 0.7085 m

Time = 1.47 x 10^-3 s

We know that,

Velocity = (distance)/(time)

= (0.7085 m)/(1.47 x 10^-3 s)

= 481.9728 m/s

In distance and time, least number of significant figure is 3 i.e. in 1.47 x 10^-3.

So, significant figure of velocity must be 3. And we have to round up the answer in scientific number i.e. y x 10^z form. Since, here after decimal 9 is there so we have to round up 1 to 2.

Hence, velocity of oxygen molecule is 4.82 x 10² m/s.