To determine the number of significant digits in the number 10.01 kg, we need to follow these steps:
1. Identify all non-zero digits: All non-zero digits in a number are significant. In 10.01, the non-zero digits are 1 and 1.
2. Consider any zeros between significant digits: Zeros between non-zero digits are also significant. Here, the zero between 1 and .01 is significant, making it part of the count.
3. Consider trailing zeros in a decimal number: In a number with a decimal point, trailing zeros (zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit) are significant. Therefore, the zero after the decimal point and before the 1 is also significant.
Given the number 10.01 kg:
- We have two non-zero digits: 1 and 1,
- We also have two significant zeros: both are present between significant numbers.
Thus, the number 10.01 has 4 significant digits.
So, the correct answer is:
a) 4
