Scientific notation is used where the number to be
represented is too large to be written as a complete number. Or when the answer we get
requires a lower level of precision. Also, using the scientific notation makes
operations between large numbers easier with a reduced possibility of
error.
For example if you are using the speed of light in
any formula its exact value is 299,792,458 m/s but we usually write it as 3*10^8 m/s.
Similarly a distance of 23456776 m can be written as 2.34*10^7
m.
While using the scientific notation what has to be kept
in mind is the number of relevant significant places. When the speed of light used is
299,792,458, we get an answer which is accurate to the meter. When we denote it by
3*10^8, the level of accuracy decreases. So, if you are calculating the distance
travelled by light in 10 years, and require an answer accurate to the kilometer you
would use 2.99792*10^8. If you want the answer to be less accurate as light travels such
a large distance in 10 years that even an answer in terms of billions of kilometers
would suffice, just using 3*10^8 is enough.
No comments:
Post a Comment