Significant figures doubt

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of significant figures in measurements, specifically regarding the example of a weighing machine with a least count of 100 kg. Participants agree that the measured value of 2000 kg should have 2 significant figures, contrary to the answer key which states it has only 1 significant figure. The consensus emphasizes that both the '2' and the first '0' are significant in this context, highlighting a misunderstanding in the answer key.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of significant figures in measurements
  • Familiarity with rounding rules in numerical values
  • Knowledge of least count in measurement tools
  • Basic principles of measurement accuracy and precision
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the rules of significant figures in detail
  • Learn about the concept of least count in measurement devices
  • Explore rounding techniques for different numerical scenarios
  • Review common misconceptions in significant figure applications
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Students in physics or engineering, educators teaching measurement concepts, and anyone involved in scientific data analysis who needs clarity on significant figures.

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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