What is the number of significant figures in each of the following measured quantities? (e) 92.03 km

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures 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. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements and ensuring that calculations reflect the precision of the data.

Rules for Counting Significant Figures

There are specific rules for determining the number of significant figures in a measurement. Non-zero digits are always significant, zeros between significant digits are significant, and leading zeros are not. Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant, while those in a whole number without a decimal point are not. These rules help in identifying the precision of a measurement.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility or consistency of a measurement. It is influenced by the measuring instrument and the method used. In the context of significant figures, precision is indicated by the number of significant figures in a measurement, which reflects the certainty of the value reported.