Significant figures doubt

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of significant figures in measurements, specifically in the context of a problem involving a weighing machine with a least count of 100 kg. Participants are examining the number of significant figures in various statements related to measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the interpretation of significant figures in the context of the provided statements, particularly focusing on the fourth statement regarding the weighing machine's reading. There is a debate about whether the zeros in the measurement should be considered significant.

Discussion Status

There is a general agreement among participants regarding the interpretation of significant figures in statements (i) and (ii). However, there is ongoing discussion about statement (iv), with some participants suggesting that the answer key may be incorrect. The conversation indicates a productive exploration of the topic without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the least count of the weighing machine affects the determination of significant figures, and there is some uncertainty about how to apply this in the context of the problem.

ysh123
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Homework Statement
Choose the correct statement from the following
(i)No. Of significant figures in 0.0145 m is 3
(ii)when 2.251 is rounded off to one decimal place the answer is 2.3
(iii)when 2.251 is rounded off to one decimal place the answer is 2.2
(iv)the least count of the weighing machine is 100 kg. The measured value of the weight is 2000 kg as per the weighing machine. The No. Of significant figures in this is 1.
Relevant Equations
None
(i) and (ii) makes sense to me but the answer key says (iv) is correct too, but shouldn't the answer be 2 significant figures for (iv). 2 and the first zero are significant if the lc is 100 kg as far as I understand
 
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ysh123 said:
Homework Statement: Choose the correct statement from the following
(i)No. Of significant figures in 0.0145 m is 3
(ii)when 2.251 is rounded off to one decimal place the answer is 2.3
(iii)when 2.251 is rounded off to one decimal place the answer is 2.2
(iv)the least count of the weighing machine is 100 kg. The measured value of the weight is 2000 kg as per the weighing machine. The No. Of significant figures in this is 1.
Relevant Equations: None

(i) and (ii) makes sense to me but the answer key says (iv) is correct too, but shouldn't the answer be 2 significant figures for (iv). 2 and the first zero are significant if the lc is 100 kg as far as I understand
I would agree with you.
 
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I also agree.
 
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I agree with you too.

We need to get Brian Cox, Sean Carroll and Neil de Grasse Tyson to check this so we can say the question was wrong to three significant figures. :wink:
 
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