EXPLANATION
- a) 2
- b) 3
- c) 4
- d) 5
ANSWER: b) 3
EXPLANATION:
The correct number of significant figures in the measurement of 12.30 grams is (b), 3.
The non-zero digits (1, 2, and 3) are all significant. The trailing zero is also significant because it is between two significant digits. The leading zero is not significant because it is just a placeholder.
Here are the rules for determining the number of significant figures in a number:
All non-zero digits are significant.
Leading zeros are not significant.
Trailing zeros are significant if they are between two significant digits.
Trailing zeros are not significant if they are after a decimal point and there is no other significant digit to the right of the decimal point.
In the number 12.30, all the digits are significant because there is a decimal point. The leading zero is not significant because it is just a place holder. The trailing zero is significant because it is between two significant digits. So the number has 3 significant figures.
