Question

1. which of the following correctly shows the measurement 9.603 s rounded to three significant figures?

9.6 s
9.60 s
9.6030 s
9.603 s

Explanation:

Step1: Recall significant figures rules

Significant figures: Non - zero digits are significant. Zeros between non - zero digits are significant. Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant. To round to three significant figures, we look at the fourth digit.
For the number 9.603, the first three significant figures are 9, 6, 0 (the third significant figure is 0, the fourth is 3).

Step2: Apply rounding rule

When rounding, if the digit to be dropped (the fourth digit here, which is 3) is less than 5, we leave the preceding digit (the third significant figure, which is 0) as it is. So 9.603 rounded to three significant figures is 9.60.

Answer:

B. 9.60 s (assuming the options are labeled as A: 9.6 s, B: 9.60 s, C: 9.6030 s, D: 9.603 s)