How many significant figures are in the measurement 2103.2 g?

1 Answer
Jan 24, 2017

#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