How many significant figures are in each of the following measurements? (d) 510 J

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the rules for determining significant figures: non-zero digits are always significant, any zeros between significant digits are significant, and trailing zeros in a number without a decimal point are not significant.
2. Examine the given measurement: 510 J.
3. Determine if there is a decimal point in the number. In this case, there is no decimal point.
4. Apply the rule for trailing zeros: since there is no decimal point, the trailing zero in 510 is not considered significant.
5. Count the significant figures: the digits '5' and '1' are significant, resulting in two 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 only when there is a decimal point. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements in scientific contexts.

Rules for Counting Significant Figures

There are specific rules for determining the number of significant figures in a measurement. For example, leading zeros are not counted, while captive zeros (zeros between non-zero digits) are significant. Trailing zeros are significant only if the number contains a decimal point, which is essential for interpreting the precision of the measurement.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility of a measurement, which is often indicated by the number of significant figures. A higher number of significant figures suggests greater precision, while fewer figures indicate less certainty in the measurement. This concept is vital for understanding the reliability of data in scientific experiments.