Which of the following digits are NOT considered significant when reporting a measured value?

• A. Zeros between nonzero digits (e.g., 205)
• B. Leading zeros in a decimal number (e.g., 0.0034)
• C. Trailing zeros after a decimal point (e.g., 2.300)
• D. All nonzero digits (e.g., 4, 7, 9)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of significant figures: Significant figures in a measured value include all the digits that are known with certainty plus one final digit, which is somewhat uncertain or estimated.
2. Identify the types of digits in a number and their significance: Nonzero digits are always significant; zeros can be significant or not depending on their position.
3. Analyze leading zeros: Leading zeros are zeros that appear before all nonzero digits in a decimal number (e.g., 0.0034). These zeros only serve as placeholders and are NOT significant.
4. Analyze zeros between nonzero digits: Zeros between nonzero digits (e.g., 205) are always significant because they are measured or known digits.
5. Analyze trailing zeros after a decimal point: Trailing zeros after a decimal point (e.g., 2.300) are significant because they indicate precision in the measurement.