Which of the following pairs correctly lists two rules for determining significant figures?

• A. Leading zeros are significant; trailing zeros in a non-decimal number are always significant.
• B. All digits in a measurement are significant; scientific notation does not affect significant figures.
• C. Only digits to the left of the decimal point are significant; all zeros are insignificant.
• D. All nonzero digits are significant; zeros between nonzero digits are significant.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that significant figures (sig figs) are the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.
2. Recall the basic rules for significant figures: all nonzero digits are always significant.
3. Recognize that zeros between nonzero digits (called captive zeros) are also significant.
4. Know that leading zeros (zeros before the first nonzero digit) are not significant because they only indicate the position of the decimal point.
5. Remember that trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant, but trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point may or may not be significant depending on context.