Chapter 8, Problem 98A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of significant figures in 0.00052 m needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: There are following rules need to be followed to identify the significant figures in a number:

1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Trailing zeros are not significant.
3. Trailing zeros after the decimal is significant.

Explanation of Solution

The given number is 0.00052 m. Since all non-zero digits are significant and all the zeros after the decimal are not significant; thus, the given number has 2 significant figures.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of significant figures in $9.8\times {10}^4$ needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: There are following rules need to be followed to identify the significant figures in a number:

1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Trailing zeros are not significant.
3. Trailing zeros after the decimal is significant.

Explanation of Solution

The given number is $9.8\times {10}^4$ . The number can be rewritten as 98000. Since all non-zero digits are significant and trailing zeros are not significant; thus, the number of significant digits will be 2.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of significant figures in 5.050 mg needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: There are following rules need to be followed to identify the significant figures in a number:

1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Trailing zeros are not significant.
3. Trailing zeros after the decimal is significant.

Explanation of Solution

The given number is 5.050 mg. Here, non-zero digits are significant. Zero between two non-zero digits will be significant. Also, trailing zero after the decimal is significant; thus, the number of significant digits will be 4 in this case.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of significant figures in 8.700 mL needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: There are following rules need to be followed to identify the significant figures in a number:

1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Trailing zeros are not significant.
3. Trailing zeros after the decimal is significant.

Explanation of Solution

The given number is 8.700 mL. Here, non-zero digits are significant. Also, trailing zero after the decimal is significant; thus, the number of significant digits will be 4 in this case.