Question

short answer

1. explain the importance of using significant digits.
2. correctly record this measurement. how many sig figs does this measurement have?
3. describe a placeholder zero.

Explanation:

1. Significant digits are important as they convey the precision of a measurement. They indicate the reliability of the data and are crucial in scientific calculations to avoid over - stating or under - stating accuracy.
2. The measurement appears to be 3.4 cm. It has 2 significant figures. The non - zero digits are always significant.
3. A placeholder zero is a zero that is used only to position the decimal point and does not contribute to the precision of the measurement. For example, in 0.05, the zeros before the 5 are placeholders.

Answer:

1. They convey measurement precision and are crucial for scientific calculations.
2. 3.4 cm; 2
3. A zero used only to position the decimal point and not contributing to measurement precision.