Devyn A.

asked • 08/23/17

Do I round the atomic mass of an isotope?

I did an calculation of mass for an isotope, and I got 28.08568 amu. And I need to leave two decimal places. I am unsure whether I will get it wrong if I don't round the mass.

Arturo O.

How many significant figures are you required to keep?  That should decide the roundoff.  Remember that significant figures is not the same as the number of decimal places.  What is the lowest number of significant figures in your numbers?  I suggest you keep that lowest number in your answer.
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08/24/17

J.R. S.

tutor
How did you do the calculation for mass?  Did you use per cent abundance and mass?  If so, as mentioned by Arturo, you should limit your answer according to the rule for significant figures.  If you can post the calculations you did, then we can better answer the question.
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08/24/17

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