Physics is a subject of measurements and errors do creep in while measuring physical quantities.Here we are going to learn about significant figures and how to apply them while measuring physical quantities.
Significant Figures :
A significant figure is defined as the figure, which is considered reasonably, trust worthy in number.
Eg: = 3.141592654 (upto 10 digits)
=3.14 (with 3 figures )
=3.1416 (upto 5 digits )
The significant figures indicate the extent to which the readings are reliable.
Rules for determining the number of significant figures:
1. All the non-zero digits in a given number are significant without any regard to the location of the decimal point if any.
Ex: 184,52 has five significant digits.
1845.2 or 184.52 all have the same number of significant digits that is 5.
2.All zeros occruing between two non zero digits are significant without any regard to the location of deciman point if any.
Ex: 106008 has six significant digits.
106.008 or 1.06008 has also got six sifnificant digits.
3.If the number is less than one, all the zeros to the right of the decimal point but to the first non-zero digit are not significant.
Ex: 0.000308 has 3 significant digits.
a) All zeros to the right of a demcimal point are significant if they are not followed by a non-zero digit.
Ex: 30.00 has 4 significant digits
b) All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit after the decimal point are significant.
Ex: 0.05600 has 4 significant digits
4. All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit in a number having no decimal point are not significant.
Ex: 2030 has 3 significant digits
RELATED TOPICS
Significant Figures :
A significant figure is defined as the figure, which is considered reasonably, trust worthy in number.
Eg: = 3.141592654 (upto 10 digits)
=3.14 (with 3 figures )
=3.1416 (upto 5 digits )
The significant figures indicate the extent to which the readings are reliable.
Rules for determining the number of significant figures:
1. All the non-zero digits in a given number are significant without any regard to the location of the decimal point if any.
Ex: 184,52 has five significant digits.
1845.2 or 184.52 all have the same number of significant digits that is 5.
2.All zeros occruing between two non zero digits are significant without any regard to the location of deciman point if any.
Ex: 106008 has six significant digits.
106.008 or 1.06008 has also got six sifnificant digits.
3.If the number is less than one, all the zeros to the right of the decimal point but to the first non-zero digit are not significant.
Ex: 0.000308 has 3 significant digits.
a) All zeros to the right of a demcimal point are significant if they are not followed by a non-zero digit.
Ex: 30.00 has 4 significant digits
b) All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit after the decimal point are significant.
Ex: 0.05600 has 4 significant digits
4. All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit in a number having no decimal point are not significant.
Ex: 2030 has 3 significant digits
RELATED TOPICS
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