perform this operation to the correct significant figure. 2.0cm × 0.01m in the correct significant figure.
should the answer be in two or one significant figures
To determine the correct significant figures, we need to follow a few rules:
1. Non-zero digits are always significant.
2. Any zeros between two significant figures are also significant.
3. Leading zeros (zeros at the beginning of a number) are not significant.
4. Trailing zeros (zeros at the end of a number) are significant if there is a decimal point present.
Let's apply these rules to the calculation:
2.0 cm × 0.01 m
We have two numbers with different significant figures: 2.0 cm and 0.01 m.
The first number, 2.0 cm, has two significant figures since the zero is between two non-zero digits.
The second number, 0.01 m, has two significant figures as well since the zeros are trailing zeros after the decimal point.
When multiplying, we multiply the numbers as usual: 2.0 x 0.01 = 0.02
Now, let's determine the proper significant figures for the result:
The answer, 0.02, has two significant figures since it follows the least number of significant figures among the factors (2.0 cm and 0.01 m). Therefore, the result should be reported with two significant figures.
So, the answer, in the correct significant figure, is 0.02.