Question

What is the number of significant figures in each of the following measured quantities?

(a) 601 kg,

(b) 0.054 s,

(c) 6.3050 cm,

(d) 0.0105 L,

(e) 7.0500 × 10-3 m3 ,

(f) 400 g.

Answer 1

(a)

All non-zero digits are significant. Zero between nonzero numbers is significant.

 

Thus, there are three significant figures in 601 kg.

 

(b)

Zeros before the first nonzero digit are not significant. 

Thus, there are two significant figures in 0.054s.

 

(c)

Zero between nonzero numbers is significant. Zeros at the end of a number and to the right of the decimal point are significant.

 

Thus, there are five significant figures in 6.3050 cm.

 

(d)

Zeros before the first nonzero digit are not significant. Zero between nonzero numbers is significant.

 

Thus, there are three significant figures in 0.0105 L.

 

(e)

Zero between nonzero numbers is significant. Zeros at the end of a number and to the right of the decimal point are significant.

An important thing is that the exponential number does not add to the significant figure.

 

Thus, there are five significant figures in 7.0500 × 10-3 m3.

 

(f)

A zero at the end of a number and to the left of the decimal point may or may not be significant.

Thus, there is only one significant figure in 400g.

(a)

All non-zero digits are significant. Zero between nonzero numbers is significant.

 

Thus, there are three significant figures in 601 kg.