Final answer:
The quantity 1.52 x 10³ kg contains three significant figures, corresponding to the digits 1, 5, and 2 in the number.
Step-by-step explanation:
The measured quantity 1.52 x 10³ kg has three significant figures. When we look at this number in scientific notation, the digits 1, 5, and 2 are all considered significant because they provide specific information about the precision of the measurement. In scientific notation, it is assumed that all digits expressed are significant, so the placeholder zeros do not count towards significant figures unless otherwise specified. The exponent (3 in 10³) is not counted when determining significant figures; it simply indicates the order of magnitude of the number.
In the measured quantity 1.52 x 10³ kg, there are three significant figures. Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaning and indicate the precision of a measurement. In this case, the digits 1, 5, and 2 are significant.