What is the number of significant figures in each of the following measured quantities? d. 0.00404 L

Verified step by step guidance

1. <Identify the significant figures: Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. They include all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and any trailing zeros in the decimal portion.>
2. <Analyze the number: 0.00404 L>
3. <Ignore leading zeros: Leading zeros are not considered significant. In this case, the zeros before the first non-zero digit (4) are not significant.>
4. <Count the significant figures: The number 0.00404 has three significant figures: 4, 0, and 4.>
5. <Conclude: Therefore, the number 0.00404 L has three significant figures.>

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 in scientific contexts.

Leading Zeros

Leading zeros are the zeros that precede all non-zero digits in a number. They are not considered significant because they do not affect the precision of the measurement. For example, in the number 0.00404, the leading zeros (0.00) do not count towards the significant figures.

Counting Significant Figures

To determine the number of significant figures in a measurement, one must identify all non-zero digits, any zeros between them, and any trailing zeros in a decimal number. In the case of 0.00404 L, the significant figures are the '4', '0', and '4', totaling three significant figures.