Question

which measurement has the greatest number of significant figures? 6.060 mg, 606 mg, 60600 mg, 60.6 mg

Explanation:

Step1: Recall significant figure rules

• Non - zero digits are significant.
• Zeros between non - zero digits are significant.
• Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant.
• Leading zeros are not significant. Trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal are ambiguous (we assume they are not significant for this problem).

Step2: Calculate significant figures for 6.060 mg

• The non - zero digits 6, 6 are significant. The zero between 6 and 6 (0) is significant, and the trailing zero (0) after the decimal is significant.
• Number of significant figures: \(4\)

Step3: Calculate significant figures for 606 mg

• The non - zero digits 6, 6 are significant. The zero between 6 and 6 (0) is significant.
• Number of significant figures: \(3\)

Step4: Calculate significant figures for 60600 mg

• The non - zero digits 6, 6 are significant. The zero between 6 and 6 (0) is significant. The trailing zeros (the two 0s at the end) are not significant (assuming no decimal).
• Number of significant figures: \(3\)

Step5: Calculate significant figures for 60.6 mg

• The non - zero digits 6, 6 are significant. The zero between 6 and 6 (0) is significant.
• Number of significant figures: \(3\)

Answer:

6.060 mg