How many significant figures are in the measurement 2103.2 g?
1 Answer
Jan 24, 2017
Explanation:
The problem provides you with the following measurement
#"2103.2 g"#
The first thing you need to do here is to figure out the number of non-zero digits you have in this measurement.
As you know, non-zero digits are always significant, so right from the start you can say that your measurement has at least
#2103.2 -> "4 non-zero digits: " 2,1,3,2#
Now, your measurement also contains a sandwiched zero, i.e. a zero that follows and is followed by a non-zero digit.
More specifically, you have
#21color(red)(0)3.2 -># the zero follows a non-zero digit,#1# , and is folowed by a non-zero digit,#3#
Sandwiched zeros are always significant, which means that your measurement has
- four non-zero digits:
#2,1,3,2# - one sandwiched zero
