In an experiment the following readings of electric charge are obtained:

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Units and Measurements · Units and Measurements

Problem

In an experiment the following readings of electric charge are obtained: Q1=4.200×10−6 C,  Q2=3.10×10−6 C,  Q3=2.70×10−6 CQ_{1}=4.200\times10^{-6}\,\text{C},\; Q_{2}=3.10\times10^{-6}\,\text{C},\; Q_{3}=2.70\times10^{-6}\,\text{C}. The potential difference applied is V=1.50×103 VV=1.50\times10^{3}\,\text{V}. (a) Calculate the average charge Qˉ\bar Q in scientific notation, quoting it with the correct number of significant figures. (b) Using your value of Qˉ\bar Q, determine the work done W=VQˉW=V\bar Q and express it in scientific notation with the appropriate significant figures. (c) At each stage of your calculation, justify the number of significant figures you retain, making specific reference to why the exponent digits are excluded from the count.

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