What is true about significant figures when measuring a value?

What is true about significant figures when measuring a value?

• A. All digits in a number are significant
• B. Only the last digit of a measurement is significant
• C. All nonzero digits are significant
• D. Leading zeroes are always significant

Answer: (C)

When it comes to significant figures in measurement, the rule that all nonzero digits are significant is fundamental. This means that any digit from 1 to 9 is counted as significant because they contribute to the precision of a measurement. For example, in a measurement like 123.45, every digit contributes to the magnitude of the number, hence they are all significant figures. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting and interpreting measurements in science. It helps quantify the precision of the measurement. While there are other rules regarding zeros, such as that trailing zeros in a decimal number are also significant, the essence of significant figures begins with recognizing that all nonzero digits are inherently significant. This forms the basis for the determination of precision in various scientific calculations and reporting.

When it comes to significant figures in measurement, the rule that all nonzero digits are significant is fundamental. This means that any digit from 1 to 9 is counted as significant because they contribute to the precision of a measurement. For example, in a measurement like 123.45, every digit contributes to the magnitude of the number, hence they are all significant figures.

Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting and interpreting measurements in science. It helps quantify the precision of the measurement. While there are other rules regarding zeros, such as that trailing zeros in a decimal number are also significant, the essence of significant figures begins with recognizing that all nonzero digits are inherently significant. This forms the basis for the determination of precision in various scientific calculations and reporting.