How many significant figures are in the following? 20.300 cm 0.00201 m 250 cm 1 in = 2.5 cm 25 students 0.0200 m 200.m

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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How many significant figures are in the following? 

**Significant Figures Exercise**

Determine the number of significant figures in each of the following values:

1. **20.300 cm**
   - Explanation: The number has five significant figures. All non-zero digits are significant, as well as any zeros between them or after a decimal point.

2. **0.002201 m**
   - Explanation: There are four significant figures. Leading zeros are not significant; they merely position the decimal point. The significant figures are 2, 0, 1, and 1.

3. **250 cm**
   - Explanation: The number has two significant figures. The trailing zero in a whole number is not considered significant without a decimal point.

4. **1 in = 2.5 cm**
   - Explanation: The value "2.5 cm" has two significant figures. Non-zero digits and any zeros between them are considered significant.

5. **25 students**
   - Explanation: This is a counted quantity and is considered to have an infinite number of significant figures.

6. **0.0200 m**
   - Explanation: The number has three significant figures. The leading zeros are not significant, but the trailing zeros after the decimal point are.

7. **200. m**
   - Explanation: The number has three significant figures. The decimal point indicates that the trailing zero is significant.

Understanding significant figures is crucial for precision in scientific measurements and calculations. Each value's significant figures are determined based on the rules of significant digits, which help communicate the precision of the measurements.
Transcribed Image Text:**Significant Figures Exercise** Determine the number of significant figures in each of the following values: 1. **20.300 cm** - Explanation: The number has five significant figures. All non-zero digits are significant, as well as any zeros between them or after a decimal point. 2. **0.002201 m** - Explanation: There are four significant figures. Leading zeros are not significant; they merely position the decimal point. The significant figures are 2, 0, 1, and 1. 3. **250 cm** - Explanation: The number has two significant figures. The trailing zero in a whole number is not considered significant without a decimal point. 4. **1 in = 2.5 cm** - Explanation: The value "2.5 cm" has two significant figures. Non-zero digits and any zeros between them are considered significant. 5. **25 students** - Explanation: This is a counted quantity and is considered to have an infinite number of significant figures. 6. **0.0200 m** - Explanation: The number has three significant figures. The leading zeros are not significant, but the trailing zeros after the decimal point are. 7. **200. m** - Explanation: The number has three significant figures. The decimal point indicates that the trailing zero is significant. Understanding significant figures is crucial for precision in scientific measurements and calculations. Each value's significant figures are determined based on the rules of significant digits, which help communicate the precision of the measurements.
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