Which of the following has four significant figures?
In the realm of scientific notation and numerical precision, the concept of significant figures plays a crucial role. Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaning in terms of precision. They are essential for expressing the level of accuracy and reliability of a measurement or calculation. This article aims to explore the significance of significant figures and identify which of the given options possesses four significant figures.
The importance of significant figures lies in their ability to convey the precision of a measurement. For instance, if a person measures the length of an object and finds it to be 3.45 cm, the number 3.45 has four significant figures. This indicates that the measurement was made with a precision of four digits, and the last digit, 5, is an estimate. On the other hand, if the measurement is reported as 3.4 cm, it only has three significant figures, suggesting a lower level of precision.
Now, let’s examine the given options to determine which one has four significant figures:
1. 0.00345 kg
2. 345.0 g
3. 3.45 x 10^3 mL
4. 3450 mg
To identify the option with four significant figures, we must evaluate each one individually:
1. 0.00345 kg: This number has three significant figures, as the zeros before the first non-zero digit are not considered significant.
2. 345.0 g: This number has four significant figures, as all the digits are non-zero and the trailing zero is significant.
3. 3.45 x 10^3 mL: This number also has four significant figures, as the base number 3.45 has four digits, and the exponent does not affect the number of significant figures.
4. 3450 mg: This number has four significant figures, as all the digits are non-zero and the trailing zero is significant.
In conclusion, options 2, 3, and 4 all have four significant figures. Therefore, the correct answer to the question “Which of the following has four significant figures?” is any of these three options. Understanding the concept of significant figures is essential for accurate scientific communication and data analysis.
