Assume when using a meter stick measuring can be done so that the last significant figure is in the tenth of a millimeter digit.If you are measuring an object with length between 8 and 9 cm,how many significant figures will result if you only use the part of the meter stick between the 82- and 93-cm positions?
A) 0
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) more than 4

Question

Assume when using a meter stick measuring can be done so that the last significant figure is in the tenth of a millimeter digit.If you are measuring an object with length between 8 and 9 cm,how many significant figures will result if you only use the part of the meter stick between the 82- and 93-cm positions?
A) 0
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) ​more than 4

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The length of the region between the 82- and 93-cm positions is 93 cm - 82 cm = 11 cm. If the smallest significant digit is in the tenth of a millimeter digit, then the smallest measurable length is 0.1 mm. Converting 11 cm to millimeters, we have 110 mm. So, the number of significant figures in the measurement would be 110 mm / 0.1 mm = 1100. Since the length of the object is between 8 and 9 cm, the measurement result will be between 80 and 90 mm. Therefore, the number of significant figures in this measurement will be 3 (8.0 cm to 9.0 cm with the smallest measurable length of 0.1 mm).

Assume When Using a Meter Stick Measuring Can Be Done