During the experiment, one measured the mass of mosquito and found it 1.20 x 10^-5 kg. The number of significant figures in this case is:
Correct answer: A. 3 s.f
- A. 3 s.f
- B. 2 s.f
- C. 5 s.f
- D. 8 s.f
Explanation
When determining the number of significant figures in a measurement, focus on the digits that are known with certainty and the first estimated digit. In this case, the mass of the mosquito was measured as 1.20 × 10^-5, with the digits 1, 2, and the exponent -5 being certain and therefore significant. The leading zero is not significant. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 significant figures.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2013 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Errors and Significant Figures
Measurement errors include random and systematic effects, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty, and the precision shown by significant figures. Questions apply rounding rules and uncertainty propagation in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, while distinguishing accuracy from precision and uncertainty from an actual mistake.
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