Final answer:
The volume of the wooden block is calculated by multiplying its measured dimensions: height, width, and length. The answer must be rounded according to the least number of significant figures of the given measurements. The correct volume, using significant figures, is 49.9 ml (option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand is a problem regarding the calculation of volume for a wooden block with given measurements. Volume is typically measured in cubic centimeters in this context, which can also be expressed as milliliters (ml). The volume of a block can be found by using the formula: Volume (V) = height (h) × width (w) × length (l). With the given measurements of height 1.25cm, width 2.5cm and length 15.956cm, we multiply them together to calculate the volume.
The correct volume in ml, considering significant figures, is found to be:
V = 1.25cm × 2.5cm × 15.956cm = 49.8625 cm³ = 49.8625 ml
However, when considering significant figures for the final answer, we should round the resulting volume in accordance with the least number of significant figures in the given measurements. Since width is given to two significant figures (2.5cm), we must round our volume to two significant figures as well. Thus, the answer is:
49.9 ml
The correct choice, based on significant figures, is option (b) 49.9 ml.