How many significant figures are present in the number 0.00208?

• A. 4
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 5

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the non-zero digits in the number 0.00208. These digits are always significant.
2. Recognize that any zeros between non-zero digits are significant. In 0.00208, the zero between 2 and 8 counts as significant.
3. Understand that leading zeros (zeros before the first non-zero digit) are not significant. In this case, the zeros before 2 are leading zeros and are not counted.
4. Count all the significant digits: the digits 2, 0 (between 2 and 8), and 8, which gives a total of 3 significant figures.
5. Conclude that the number 0.00208 has 3 significant figures.