Physics · Measurements
Work through this past-paper style MCQ, then read the full explanation. Practice more physics questions on mMCQ with adaptive practice and topic analytics.
During the experiment, one measured the mass of mosquito and found it 1.20x 10-5 kg. The number of significant figures in this case is:
- A
3 s.f
- B
2 s.f
- C
5 s.f
- D
8 s.f
When determining the number of significant figures in a measurement, focus on the digits that are known with certainty and the first estimated digit. In this case, the mass of the mosquito was measured as 1.20 × 10^-5, with the digits 1, 2, and the exponent -5 being certain and therefore significant. The leading zero is not significant. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 significant figures.
The number of significant figures in a measured quantity is the number of digits that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit. In this case, the mass of the mosquito was measured as 1.20 × 10^-5. The significant figures are 1, 2, and the exponent -5, totaling 3 significant figures. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
This option is incorrect because there are more significant figures present in the measurement of the mosquito's mass.
This option is incorrect as there are only 3 significant figures in the given measurement, not 5.
This option is incorrect because there are only 3 significant figures in the measurement, not 8.
Tagged under Physics · Measurements · 2013