How many significant figures are in 23.479 g?
When it comes to scientific measurements, understanding the concept of significant figures is crucial. Significant figures represent the number of digits in a number that are known with certainty, plus one uncertain digit. In the case of 23.479 g, determining the number of significant figures is essential for accurate scientific calculations and reporting. Let’s delve into the details to find out how many significant figures are present in this measurement.
The number 23.479 g consists of five digits. To determine the number of significant figures, we must consider the following rules:
1. All non-zero digits are significant. In this case, the digits 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 are all non-zero and, therefore, significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are also significant. In the number 23.479 g, there is a zero between the 4 and the 7, which is significant.
3. Leading zeros (zeros before the first non-zero digit) are not significant. In this case, there are no leading zeros.
4. Trailing zeros (zeros after the last non-zero digit) are significant if they are after a decimal point. In 23.479 g, the trailing zero after the 9 is significant because it follows the decimal point.
Considering these rules, we can conclude that the number 23.479 g has five significant figures. This means that the measurement is precise to the fifth digit, and any calculations or reports involving this value should reflect the same level of precision. Understanding the number of significant figures is essential for maintaining accuracy in scientific research and communication.
