Main Answer:
You should round the result to two significant figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
In scientific measurements, significant figures are crucial for expressing the precision of a value. When solving a density problem with given values like mass (10g) and volume (15.0mL), it's essential to consider the number of significant figures in each measurement.
In this case, the mass has one significant figure, and the volume has four significant figures due to the decimal point. The rule for multiplication and division in significant figures dictates that the result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least. In the given problem, the mass measurement has the fewest significant figures (one). Therefore, the final density result should be rounded to two significant figures. This ensures that the precision of the answer reflects the least precise measurement in the initial data.
Significant figures serve as a method to communicate the reliability of a measurement. Rounding to the appropriate number of significant figures maintains the integrity of the data by preventing the expression of false precision. In this case, rounding the density to two significant figures acknowledges the limitations of the measurements provided and aligns with the principles of accurate scientific representation.
It's a practical approach to conveying the reliability of the density calculation based on the precision inherent in the given mass and volume measurements.