Question

State the number of significant figures in the following
(i) 0.007 m² (ii) 2.64 x 1024 kg (iii) 0.2370 g/cm (iv) 6.320 J (v) 6.032 N/m² (vi) 0.0006032 m.​

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) Answer: 1

The given quantity is 0.007 m2.

If the number is less than one, then all zeros on the right of the decimal point (but left to the first non-zero) are insignificant. This means that here, two zeros after the decimal are not significant. Hence, only 7 is a significant figure in this quantity.

(b) Answer: 3

The given quantity is 2.64 x 1024 kg.

Here, the power of 10 is irrelevant for the determination of significant figures. Hence, all digits i.e., 2, 6 and 4 are significant figures.

c) Answer: 4

The given quantity is 0.2370 g cm-3.

For a number with decimals, the trailing zeroes are significant. Hence, besides digits 2, 3 and 7, 0 that appears after the decimal point is also a significant figure.

(d) Answer: 4

The given quantity is 6.320 J.

For a number with decimals, the trailing zeroes are significant. Hence, all four digits appearing in the given quantity are significant figures.

(e) Answer: 4

The given quantity is 6.032 Nm-2.

All zeroes between two non-zero digits are always significant.

(f) Answer: 4

The given quantity is 0.0006032 m2.

If the number is less than one, then the zeroes on the right of the decimal point (but left to the first non-zero) are insignificant. Hence, all three zeroes appearing before 6 are not significant figures. All zeros between two non-zero digits are always significant. Hence, the remaining four digits are significant figures