This is a sig fig question, not a calculation. Given, at constant n and T: P1 = 1.3 atm, V1 = 25.0 L, and P2 = 20 atm, the value of V2 is calculated to be 1.625 L. How would you express V2 to the correct number of sig figs? 

 

First, to determine which rule for significant figures we should follow for our final answer, we must identify the operations we will use during calculations.

Our base equation is Boyle's Law: P1V1 = P2V2. To solve for V2, we isolate V2 on one side and arrive at the final equation written above that is V2 = P1V1/P2.

As we can identify, the operations will be multiplication for the numerator, and division to simplify numerator and denominator.

Thus, we follow the rule applicable for multiplication and division that is to follow the least # of significant figures involved in our solving.

In analyzing each given, P2 = 20atm has only 1 significant figure because 0s at the end of whole numbers are NOT counted. Zeroes at the end will only be counted IF it is to the right of a decimal.

Thus we follow rounding off rules for the calculated V2, giving us a final answer of 2. atm

Please see the attached file for the complete solution