Final answer:
Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement and are counted based on specific rules. When performing operations, the final result must be reported with the correct number of significant figures dictated by the nature of the operation—multiplication/division or addition/subtraction.
This correct answer b
Step-by-step explanation:
Determine the Number of Significant Figures
The number of significant figures in a measurement is the number of digits that carry meaning contributing to its precision. Here are the significant figures for the provided measurements:
a. 0.0009 has 1 significant figure.
b. 15,450.0 has 6 significant figures.
c. 6x10³ has 1 significant figure (scientific notation).
d. 87.990 has 5 significant figures.
e. 30.42 has 4 significant figures.
Calculations with Significant Figures
When performing calculations like multiplication, division, addition, or subtraction, the result must be expressed with the correct number of significant figures based on the rule that applies to the specific operation:
Multiplication/Division: The result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures.
Addition/Subtraction: The result should be rounded off to the least significant digit position that is common among all numbers involved in the calculation.
For the exercises listed:
Exercise 2.4.4, when multiplying 22.4 by 8.314, the answer must be reported with 3 significant figures.
When adding 0.147, 0.0066, and 0.012, the answer must be reported to the thousandths place, as that is the least significant digit position common among all numbers.