Chapter 4, Problem 8STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The length of the paper clip needs to be determined to appropriate number of significant digits.

Concept introduction:

The meaningful representation of the numbers is known as significant figures.

Answer to Problem 8STP

The length of the paper clip is $31mm$.

The correct option is A.

Explanation of Solution

In the given scale; the division of 0.1 cm is equal to 1 mm.

Thus, the conversion factor used to convert cm to mm is as follows:

$\frac{\text{1 mm}}{\text{0}\text{.1 cm}}$

The representation on the scale is shown below:

Now the clip length is 3.1 cm. This can be converted to mm as follows:

$3.1\text{ cm}\left(\frac{\text{1 mm}}{\text{0}\text{.1 cm}}\right)=31\text{ mm}$

Thus, the correct length is 31 mm that is option (A).