Chapter 2.3, Problem 47SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of significant figures in given measurements of length of an object needs to be determined: $\text{76}\text{.48}\text{cm,}\text{76}\text{.47}\text{cm}\text{and}\text{76}\text{.59}\text{cm}$

Concept introduction:

In order to determine the number of significant figures, the following rules should be applied,

1. The non-zero digits are always significant.

2. In a number, the zeros to the left of the first non-zero digit are not significant.

3. Zeros between non zero digits are significant

4. Zeros to the right of the decimal place are significant

5. If a number ends in zero that are not to the right of a decimal, the zeros may or may not be significant.

Answer to Problem 47SSC

All the three measurement has four significant figures.

Explanation of Solution

The measurements of the length are given as $\text{76}\text{.48}\text{cm,}\text{76}\text{.47}\text{cm}\text{and}\text{76}\text{.59}\text{cm}$. Each of these measurements contains four significant figures. The values having no zero digits imply that every number is significant. Hence, there are four significant figures in each of the given measurements.

Conclusion

All the three measurement has four significant figures.