Question

Given the numbers: 161 cm, 0.161 cm, 0.0161 cm. The number of significant figures for the three numbers is

• A. 3, 3 and 4 respectively
• B. 3, 4 and 4 respectively
• C. 3, 4 and 5 respectively
• D. 3, 3 and 3 respectively

Answer 1

The correct option is D 3, 3 and 3 respectively

161 has three significant figures as all are non-zero digits.
0.161 has three significant figures as zero on the left of the first non-zero digit is not significant.
0.0161 also has three significant figures as zero on the left of the first non zero digit are not significant.