Question

How many significant figures are in the measurement 2103.2 g?

Answer 1

`5`

Explanation:

The problem provides you with the following measurement

`"2103.2 g"`

The first thing you need to do here is to figure out the number of non-zero digits you have in this measurement.

As you know, non-zero digits are always significant, so right from the start you can say that your measurement has at least `4` significant figures, since

`2103.2 -> "4 non-zero digits: " 2,1,3,2`

Now, your measurement also contains a sandwiched zero, i.e. a zero that follows and is followed by a non-zero digit.

More specifically, you have

`21color(red)(0)3.2 ->` the zero follows a non-zero digit, `1`, and is folowed by a non-zero digit, `3`

Sandwiched zeros are always significant, which means that your measurement has `5` sig figs

• four non-zero digits: `2,1,3,2`
• one sandwiched zero