Question

State the number of significant figures in the following
a. $0.006{\text{m}}^2$
b. $2.65\times {10}^3\text{kg}$
c. $0.2309{\text{m}}^{-3}$
d. $6.320\text{J}$
e. $0.006032{\text{m}}^2$

• A. (a) - 1 ; (b) - 3 ; (c) - 4 ; (d) - 4 ; (e) - 6
• B. (a) - 1 ; (b) - 3 ; (c) - 4 ; (d) - 3 ; (e) - 4
• C. (a) - 1 ; (b) - 3 ; (c) - 4 ; (d) - 4 ; (e) - 4
• D. (a) - 1 ; (b) - 3 ; (c) - 4 ; (d) - 3 ; (e) - 6

Answer 1

The correct option is C (a) - 1 ; (b) - 3 ; (c) - 4 ; (d) - 4 ; (e) - 4

Rule 1) All the non-zero numbers are significant.
Rule 2) A zero between two non zeros is significant.
Rule 3) Leading zeros are non significant.
Rule 4) Trailing zeros are not significant unless they are after a decimal point.
Rule 5) In scientific notation, only the numeral value is significant. Not the power of 10.

Using these rules, the number of significant figures of the given numbers are

(a) - 1 ; (b) - 3 ; (c) - 4 ; (d) - 4 ; (e) - 4