Based on data obtained in an experiment,to determine the density of a metal,the following calculation is carried out.Express the answer to the correct number of significant figures.
A)2.1 g/mL
B)2.14 g/ml
C)2.142 g/mL
D)2.1423 g/mL

Question

Based on data obtained in an experiment,to determine the density of a metal,the following calculation is carried out.Express the answer to the correct number of significant figures. 
A)2.1 g/mL 
B)2.14 g/ml 
C)2.142 g/mL 
D)2.1423 g/mL

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the given calculation, we have no way of knowing how many significant figures were used in the original data. However, since the final answer is given to three decimal places, it is reasonable to assume that the original data was measured to at least that level of precision. Therefore, we should choose the answer that has three significant figures, which is option C. Option D has four significant figures, which implies a greater level of precision than we can actually claim based on the given calculation.

Based on Data Obtained in an Experiment,to Determine the Density