Question 359 of 480
Which of the following numbers is expressed with the correct number of significant figures?
- 0.00456
- 123.4500
- 1002.0
- 0.0200
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
The correct option is **B. 123.4500**.
### Detailed Explanation
**Understanding Significant Figures:**
Significant figures (or significant digits) are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Hereβs how to determine the number of significant figures in each option:
1. **Option A: 0.00456**
- The leading zeros (0.00) are not significant; they only serve to position the decimal point.
- The significant figures here are 4, 5, and 6.
- **Total significant figures: 3.**
2. **Option B: 123.4500**
- All digits are significant here. The digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are non-zero and significant, and the trailing zeros after the decimal point (00) are also significant because they indicate precision.
- **Total significant figures: 6.**
3. **Option C: 1002.0**
- The digits 1, 0, 0, 2 are significant, and the trailing zero after the decimal point (0) is also significant.
- **Total significant figures: 5.**
4. **Option D: 0.0200**
- The leading zeros (0.0) are not significant. The significant figures are 2 and the two trailing zeros (00) after the 2, which indicate precision.
- **Total significant figures: 3.**
### Why the Other Options are Incorrect or Weaker
- **Option A (0.00456)** has only 3 significant figures, which is fewer than the 6 in Option B.
- **Option C (1002.0)** has 5 significant figures, which is also fewer than the 6 in Option B.
- **Option D (0.0200)** has 3 significant figures, which is again fewer than the 6 in Option B.
### Summary of Key Points
- Significant figures include all non-zero digits, zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion.
- **Option B (123.4500)** has the highest number of significant figures (6), making it the correct choice.
- Leading zeros do not count as significant figures, while trailing zeros in a decimal context do.
### Revision Summary
- Significant figures are crucial for indicating precision in measurements.
- Leading zeros are not significant; trailing zeros in a decimal are significant.
- The number of significant figures varies among options; always count carefully.
- **Correct answer: B. 123.4500 (6 significant figures).**