How many significant figures are in each of the following measurements? (b) 2000.003 g

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify all the non-zero digits in the measurement, as they are always significant.
2. Recognize that any zeros between non-zero digits are also significant.
3. Determine if there are any trailing zeros in the decimal portion of the number, as they are significant.
4. Count all the significant figures identified in the previous steps.
5. Conclude with the total number of significant figures in the measurement.

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in a decimal number. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements in scientific contexts.

Rules for Counting Significant Figures

There are specific rules for determining the number of significant figures in a measurement. For example, all non-zero digits are significant, zeros between significant digits are significant, and trailing zeros in a decimal number are also significant. These rules help ensure consistency in scientific communication.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility of a measurement, which is often indicated by the number of significant figures. A measurement with more significant figures suggests a higher precision, while fewer significant figures indicate less precision. This concept is essential for evaluating the reliability of experimental data.