I need some help with this question.

In chemistry, 6.022× 1023 is an important number called the Avogadro constant (or Avogadro\'s number). It expresses the number of atoms or molecules in a mole. Notice that it is a really, really big number, as indicated by scientific notation with a large positive exponent. Enter 6.022× 1023 into the calculator shown here. Then, by trial and error, find the largest number that can be added to 6.022× 1023 without changing its displayed value (as shown on the screen).

Question

I need some help with this question.

In chemistry, 6.022× 1023 is an important number called the Avogadro constant (or Avogadro\'s number). It expresses the number of atoms or molecules in a mole. Notice that it is a really, really big number, as indicated by scientific notation with a large positive exponent. Enter 6.022× 1023 into the calculator shown here. Then, by trial and error, find the largest number that can be added to 6.022× 1023 without changing its displayed value (as shown on the screen).

anonymous · Answer

Ok first off it isnt 6.022x1023 it is:
$$6.022x10^{23}$$

anonymous · Answer

Secondly, this is kind of a wierd question and it depends on the calculator you have.... so that being said... plug that expression into your calculator and see what you get.  Lets say you got 6.022000E23 or something like that.  In this case you can see exactley 6 places back from the decimal point.  Therefore you need a number of the order:
$$10^{23-6}=10^{17}$$
before you see any difference.

If your calculator trunacates the extra zeroes, then you will only see 6.022.... in which case you can only see 3 digits after the decimal point... thus 23-3 or something of the order 10^20.

Either way try it first!! :D

anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for your help! I got it!

anonymous · Answer

No problem, if you found it helpful please feel free to give me a medal :D