Question

1. evaluate determine the number of significant figures each of the following measurements: a. 11 soccer players b. 0.070 020 meter c. 10,800 meters d. 0.010 square meter e. 5.00 cubic meters f. 507 thumbtacks

Explanation:

Step1: Define significant - figure rules

Non - zero digits are always significant. Zeros between non - zero digits are significant. Leading zeros (zeros before non - zero digits) are not significant. Trailing zeros in a number with a decimal point are significant. Trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point may or may not be significant.

Step2: Analyze a. 11 soccer players

The number 11 is a counting number. All non - zero digits are significant. So, it has 2 significant figures.

Step3: Analyze b. 0.070020 meter

Leading zeros are not significant. Non - zero digits and zeros between non - zero digits and trailing zeros after a non - zero digit are significant. So, it has 5 significant figures.

Step4: Analyze c. 10,800 meters

The zero between 1 and 8 is significant. The trailing zeros may or may not be significant. Assuming no decimal point, we consider the non - zero digits and the internal zero, so it has 3 significant figures.

Step5: Analyze d. 0.010 square meter

Leading zeros are not significant. The non - zero digit 1 and the trailing zero after it are significant. So, it has 2 significant figures.

Step6: Analyze e. 5.00 cubic meters

Trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant. So, it has 3 significant figures.

Step7: Analyze f. 507 thumbtacks

The zero between non - zero digits is significant. So, it has 3 significant figures.

Answer:

a. 2 significant figures
b. 5 significant figures
c. 3 significant figures
d. 2 significant figures
e. 3 significant figures
f. 3 significant figures