Significant figures doubt

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the interpretation of significant figures in a given problem. Participants agree that statements (i) and (ii) are correct, but there is confusion regarding statement (iv), which claims that the weight measurement of 2000 kg has only 1 significant figure. It is argued that if the least count is 100 kg, then 2000 kg should have 2 significant figures, as both the '2' and the first '0' are significant. The conversation humorously suggests consulting renowned scientists to validate the correctness of the answer key. The topic highlights the nuances of significant figures in scientific measurements.
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.
 
I also agree.
 
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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