Which of the following is considered a significant figure in a measurement?

The concept of significant figures is essential in scientific measurements, as it reflects the precision of the data being represented. Significant figures include all the non-zero digits in a measurement, which are always counted as significant. These numbers provide crucial information about the precision of the measurement being taken.

In the context of significant figures:

• All non-zero digits are inherently significant because they convey meaningful information about the quantity being measured. For example, in the number 123, all three digits (1, 2, and 3) are significant, indicating a level of precision in the measurement.

• Leading zeros, which are zeros that appear before the first non-zero digit, do not count as significant figures because they only serve as placeholders and do not affect the value of the measurement.

• Trailing zeros can either be significant or not depending on the presence of a decimal point. Trailing zeros without a decimal point are not considered significant since they don't provide additional certainty or precision about the measured value.

• The confusion regarding digits before a decimal arises, but it is important to note that the significance of figures is not determined solely by their position relative to the decimal.

Thus, the correct understanding of significant figures aligns with recognizing all non-zero digits as significant, which