How many significant figures are in the measurement 0.004560?

• A. 3
• B. 5
• C. 4
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify all the digits in the number 0.004560 and determine which are significant. Leading zeros (zeros before the first nonzero digit) are not significant.
2. Recognize that the digits '4', '5', and '6' are significant because they are nonzero digits.
3. Note that the zero between '5' and '6' is significant because it is a captive zero (a zero between nonzero digits).
4. Understand that the trailing zero after '6' is significant because it comes after a decimal point and after a nonzero digit.
5. Count all the significant digits: the three nonzero digits plus the two zeros that are significant, giving a total of 5 significant figures.