Final answer:
The number 14,600 kg has five significant figures if all zeros are assumed to be significant or the value is explicitly measured. If the trailing zeros are placeholders, the number of significant figures may be less. A decimal point after the zeros can indicate they are significant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The measurement 14,600 kg can be ambiguous in terms of significant figures without further context, such as a decimal point or an explicit indication of significant digits. However, if we are assuming that all zeros are significant because it is a measured value, then this number would have five significant figures. If the zeros are serving as placeholders and not measured with certainty, this could reduce the number of significant figures. It is common to write a decimal point after the last zero (e.g., 14,600.) to indicate that all the zeros are significant, giving five significant figures.
When working with significant figures in calculations, you should always identify the least precise measurement and express your final answer with that level of precision. It's important to remember that for non-decimal numbers without a clear indication of significance, the trailing zeros might not count unless there is a decimal point.