Scientific Notation and Rounding Off

[wwwbladewww]

Can someone mind explaining how should we conclude our answers in physics. For example, if i get values such as 48.36, should i write 48.4? and if the period is 3222401 seconds, do i have to write 3.22 x10^6? Would you get it wrong if you kept it as 3222401? (You guys know what i mean)  .

[max payne]

Yes im keen in knowing this too. also can you write two answers in the box like say the answer is 24.3421... can you write in th box: "24.34~24.3"

[meemz]

i remember b^3 saying in physics they don't care about sig. figures like chemistry does.. they look at how you got the answer.. obviously if you get a answer within a certain range with the right working out, you will get it write.. i tend to go i decimal place to be on the safe side.

[Phy124]

Last year I always put it in a format of x.y x 10^z (2 sig figs) but as far as I know all of the aforementioned answer techniques would be accepted.

As meemz said in regards to what b^3 had said; in physics they have a greater focus on the technique of deriving the answer rather than nit-picking significant figures, decimals places etc.

With this being said, it might be a good idea to go through Examination assessment reports and see what the given answers are in there

[simon0003]

Was listening to the chief examiners report for 2010 and he said they don't take marks off for incorrect amount of sig figs, as long as it's within reason, eg 2.984039 would be ridiculous. Common sense i guess, don't stress about it