Question

Which of the following have same number of significant figures?
A. 0.00253
B. 1.0003
C. 15.0
D. 163
Choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. B and C only
• B. C and D only
• C. A, B and C only
• D. A, C and D only

Hint:

Significant figures include all meaningful digits in a number. Use the rules for counting significant figures carefully, especially for decimals and trailing zeros.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine which of the numbers have the same number of significant figures, let's first define what significant figures are:

• All non-zero digits are significant.
• Any zeros between significant digits are significant.
• Leading zeros are not significant.
• Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant.

Now, let's analyze each option:

1. Option A: 0.00253 - The leading zeros are not significant. The digits 253 are significant, giving us 3 significant figures.
2. Option B: 1.0003 - All the digits are significant due to the presence of a decimal point, giving us 5 significant figures.
3. Option C: 15.0 - The trailing zero is significant because of the decimal point, giving us 3 significant figures.
4. Option D: 163 - All digits are non-zero and significant, giving us 3 significant figures.

Based on the analysis:

• A (0.00253) has 3 significant figures.
• B (1.0003) has 5 significant figures.
• C (15.0) has 3 significant figures.
• D (163) has 3 significant figures.

Therefore, options A, C, and D have the same number of significant figures (3). Hence, the correct answer is A, C, and D only.