Question

1. how many significant figures are in each number?

a) 0.020
b) 2.34
c) 1000

Explanation:

Step1: Recall significant - figure rules

Non - zero digits are always significant. Leading zeros are not significant. Trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant.

Step2: Analyze 0.020

The leading zeros (before the 2) are not significant. The 2 and the trailing 0 after the decimal are significant. So, there are 2 significant figures.

Step3: Analyze 2.34

All non - zero digits are significant. So, there are 3 significant figures.

Step4: Analyze 1000

If no decimal point is present, the trailing zeros may or may not be significant. Assuming no additional information, we consider only the 1 as significant. So, there is 1 significant figure.

Answer:

a) 2
b) 3
c) 1