Volume of a 0.200m Sided Square

In summary, a square has no volume, only area, and the area of a square with a length of 0.200m would be best written as 4.00 x 10-2 m2, showing that there are 3 significant figures. It is important to use scientific notation when discussing significant figures. Additionally, it is better to talk about significant figures rather than decimal places when calculating results.
  • #1
Mattofix
138
0
if i have a sqaure of length 0.200m, is its volume 0.040 or 0.0400 mcubed?
 
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  • #2
A square has no volume, only area. Do you mean a cube?
 
  • #3
In determining "number of significant figures" there is always an ambiguity as to whether a "0" is "significant" or just a place holder. For that reason, if "significant figures" are important it is best to use "scientific notation". Here "0.200 m" would be best written "2.00 x 10-1 m", showing clearly that there are "3 significant figures".

If you really mean area rather than volume it would be best to write it as 4.00 x 10-2 m2, again showing clearly that there are "3 significant figures".
 
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  • #4
sorry, i meant the area of a square, ok, so if 2.00 x 10-1 m is its length, would its area be 4.00 x 10-2 m2 or 4.0 x 10-2 m2?
 
  • #5
Mattofix said:
sorry, i meant the area of a square, ok, so if 2.00 x 10-1 m is its length, would its area be 4.00 x 10-2 m2 or 4.0 x 10-2 m2?
The latter: 4.00 x 10-2 mp2. Since the orginal measurement had 2 three significant figures so must the answer.

It is better, by the way to talk about "significant figures" rather than "decimal places". The number of significant figures in the result of any calculation is the smallest number of significant figures in any number in the calculation. There is no such rule for "decimal places".
 

What is the formula for finding the volume of a 0.200m sided square?

The formula for finding the volume of a 0.200m sided square is V = s^3, where s is the length of one side of the square.

How do you measure the length of one side of a square?

The length of one side of a square can be measured using a ruler or measuring tape. Make sure to measure from one end of the side to the other in a straight line.

What is the unit for volume in this calculation?

The unit for volume in this calculation is cubic meters (m^3), since we are measuring in meters and the formula involves cubing the length of one side.

What is the significance of the number 0.200m in this calculation?

The number 0.200m represents the length of one side of the square in meters. This number is important because it is used in the formula to calculate the volume of the square.

Can this formula be used for calculating the volume of any square?

Yes, this formula can be used for calculating the volume of any square regardless of the side length. However, the unit of measurement must remain consistent (e.g. all measurements in meters or all measurements in centimeters).

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