Question

Find the number of significant figures in 0.2370 $\text{gcm}^{-3}$ :

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 6

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 4

Rules for Determining Significant Figures

• Leading zeros are never significant: In the number 0.2370, the zero before the decimal point is a placeholder and does not count as a significant figure.

• Non-zero digits are always significant: The digits 2, 3, and 7 are non-zero integers and are therefore counted as significant.

• Trailing zeros in decimal numbers are significant: A zero appearing at the end of a number after a decimal point indicates precision. In 0.2370, the final '0' signifies that the measurement was taken with precision up to that specific decimal place.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Identify the digits: 0, 2, 3, 7, 0.

2. Exclude the leading zero (0.) as it serves only to locate the decimal point.

3. Include the non-zero digits (2, 3, 7).

4. Include the trailing zero (0) because it follows a decimal point, confirming the precision of the measurement.

5. Total significant figures = 2, 3, 7, 0 = 4 significant figures.