Question

How many significant figures do each of the following measured numbers have, and to what precision have they been measured?

a) 1234 liters
b) 3012 grams
c) 890 degrees
d) 901.0 grams

Answer 1

For the measurements given, 1234 liters and 3012 grams both have four significant figures, 890 degrees has three significant figures, and 901.0 grams has four significant figures, indicating precision to the tenth of a gram.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of significant figures in a measured number indicates the precision of the measurement. Significant figures include all known digits plus one estimated digit. Here are the counts for the given measurements:

• (a) 1234 liters has four significant figures. The number has been measured to the unit's place.

• (b) 3012 grams also has four significant figures, measured to the unit's place.

• (c) 890 degrees has three significant figures, measured to the ten's place.

• (d) 901.0 grams has four significant figures, including the zero after the decimal point which indicates a measurement precise to the tenth of a gram.