Question

Which number contains four significant figures? A) 3.978 B) 0.780 C) 0.0085 D) 1700 E) Two or more of the above numbers contain four significant figures

Answer 1

The number that contains four significant figures is option B) 0.780.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number that contains four significant figures is option B) 0.780.

In a number, significant figures are the digits that contribute to the precision of the measurement. The rules for determining significant figures include:

1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant.
3. Leading zeros (zeros to the left of non-zero digits) are NOT significant.
4. Trailing zeros (zeros to the right of non-zero digits) are significant ONLY if there is a decimal point present.

Option B) 0.780 has four significant figures because the zeros are between the non-zero digits. The zeros act as placeholders in this number to indicate the position of the decimal point.

Answer 2

Remember significant figures are all non-zero numbers.