Question
State the number of significant figures in the following :
a) 0.007 m2
b) 2.64 1024kg
(c) 0.2370 g cm–3
(d) 6.320 J
(e) 6.032 N m –2
(f) 0.0006032 m2
Solution
a) 1
The given quantity is 0.007 m2
If the number is less than one, then all zeros on the right of the decimal point (but left to the first non-zero) are insignificant. This means that here, two zeros after the decimal are not significant. Hence, only 7 is a significant figure in this quantity.
b) 3Here, the power of 10 is irrelevant for the determination of significant figures. Hence, all the digits are significant figures.
c) 4
d) 4
e) 4
f) 4
