Chapter 5, Problem 1P

(a)

To determine

The precision of the given measurement number.

Answer to Problem 1P

The measurement number 4.27 psi is precise to nearest $\underset{\_}{\text{hundredth psi}}$.

Explanation of Solution

Definition used:

Precision of a measurement number is indicated by the place value of its right most significant digits.

Calculation:

The given measurement number is 4.27 psi.

The right most significant digit of 4.27 psi is “7”.

The place value of 7 in 4.27 psi is hundredth.

Hence by the above definition, the measurement number 4.27 psi is precise to nearest $\underset{\_}{\text{hundredth psi}}$.

(b)

To determine

The precision of the given measurement number.

Answer to Problem 1P

The measurement number 6758 psi is precise to nearest $\underset{\_}{\text{one psi}}$.

Explanation of Solution

Definition used:

Precision of a measurement number is indicated by the place value of its right most significant digits.

Calculation:

The given measurement number is 6758 psi.

The right most significant digit of 6758 psi is “8”.

The place value of 8 in 6758 psi is once.

Hence by the above definition, the measurement number 6758 psi is precise to nearest $\underset{\_}{\text{one psi}}$.

(c)

To determine

The precision of the given measurement number.

Answer to Problem 1P

The measurement number 350 psi is precise to nearest $\underset{\_}{\text{ten psi}}$.

Explanation of Solution

Definition used:

Precision of a measurement number is indicated by the place value of its right most significant digits.

Calculation:

The given measurement number is 350 psi.

The right most significant digit of 350 psi is “5”.

The place value of 5 in 350 psi is tens.

Hence by the above definition, the measurement number 350 psi is precise to nearest $\underset{\_}{\text{ten psi}}$.

(d)

To determine

The number of significant digits of the given measurement number.

Answer to Problem 1P

The number of significant digits of the given measurement number in 9.6 kg is $\underset{\_}{\text{2}}$.

Explanation of Solution

Rule used:

To determine the number of significant digits, follow these rules:

Rule 1: “Digits other than zero are always significant.

Rule 2: A zero is significant when it:

(a) appears between two significant digits.

(b) Is at the right end of a decimal number.

(c) Is marked as significant with an overbar.

Rule 3: A zero is not significant when it

(a) Is at the right end of a whole number.

(b) Is at left end of a number.”

Calculation:

The given measurement number is 9.6 kg.

The number of digits other than zero in 9.6 kg is “2”.

Therefore by the rule 1, the number of significant digits of the given measurement number in 9.6 kg is $\underset{\_}{\text{2}}$.

(e)

To determine

The number of significant digits of the given measurement number.

Answer to Problem 1P

The number of significant digits of the given measurement number in 458 kg is $\underset{\_}{3}$.

Explanation of Solution

The given measurement number is 458 kg.

The number of digits other than zero in 458 kg is “3”.

Therefore by the rule 1 mentioned in the subpart (d) , the number of significant digits of the given measurement number in 458 kg is $\underset{\_}{\text{3}}$.

(f)

To determine

The number of significant digits of the given measurement number.

Answer to Problem 1P

The number of significant digits of the given measurement number in 6000 kg is $\underset{\_}{\text{1}}$.

Explanation of Solution

The given measurement number is 6000 kg.

The number of digits other than zero in 6000 kg is “1”.

Also note that the zeroes in the measurement number 6000 kg is not significant as they are to the right of a whole number.

Therefore by the rule 1 and 3 mentioned in the subpart (d) the number of significant digits of the given measurement number in 6000 kg is $\underset{\_}{\text{1}}$.