High School

Which of the following solves this calculation with the correct number of significant figures: [tex]$103.8 \, g \div 2.23 \, cm^3$[/tex]?

A. [tex]46.5 \, g/cm^3[/tex], the answer is limited to the same decimal places as the limiting term.
B. [tex]46.55 \, g/cm^3[/tex], the answer is limited to the same decimal places as the limiting term.
C. [tex]46.547 \, g/cm^3[/tex], the answer is limited to the total significant figures of the limiting term.
D. [tex]46.5 \, g/cm^3[/tex], the answer is limited to the total significant figures of the limiting term.

Answer :

Sure, let's solve this step-by-step.

### Step 1: Understand the Problem

You are given a mass of 103.8 grams and a volume of 2.23 cubic centimeters. You need to find the density and express your answer with the correct number of significant figures.

### Step 2: Perform the Calculation

First, you calculate the density using the formula:
[tex]\[ \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} = \frac{103.8 \, \text{g}}{2.23 \, \text{cm}^3} \][/tex]

When you perform this division:
[tex]\[ \text{Density} \approx 46.547 \, \text{g/cm}^3 \][/tex]

### Step 3: Determine Significant Figures

To determine the significant figures for the final answer, you need to consider the significant figures in the given values:

- 103.8 grams has 4 significant figures.
- 2.23 cubic centimeters has 3 significant figures.

### Step 4: Apply the Rule of Significant Figures

In division (or multiplication), the result should have the same number of significant figures as the quantity with the fewest significant figures. Here, the limiting term is the volume, which has 3 significant figures.

### Step 5: Round the Result

The calculated density (46.547) should be rounded to 3 significant figures:

- Look at the fourth figure after the decimal (which is 7).
- Since it is 5 or greater, you round up the third figure (4) to 5.

Thus, the rounded density is:
[tex]\[ 46.5 \, \text{g/cm}^3 \][/tex]

### Conclusion

The correct choice from the given options is:
[tex]\[ 46.5 \, \text{g/cm}^3, \text{ the answer is limited to the total significant figures of the limiting term} \][/tex]