Question

1. based on the image, what can you infer about the mass of the object being measured?

riders
unit: grams
x 1.5
the mass is exactly 255.00 grams.
the mass is slightly less than 255 grams.
the mass is slightly more than 255 grams.
the mass is not exactly 255 grams, but it is impossible to tell whether the mass is greater than or less than 255 grams.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the balance scale reading

The left - most rider (smallest scale) has a precision. The middle rider is at 200g, the right - most rider is at 50g, and the left - most rider is at 5g. But the image is magnified (×1.5). When we magnify the reading of the balance scale (which is a measurement tool), the actual mass is less than the magnified reading. If we assume the magnified reading gives a value, the real value is smaller.

Step2: Consider the effect of magnification

Since the image is magnified, the "apparent" position of the rider (which we might think gives a certain mass value) overestimates the actual position. So the actual mass is slightly less than the value we would read without considering the magnification. If we just sum the non - magnified scale values (200 + 50+5 = 255g) and then consider the magnification (which makes the actual measurement less than what the magnified image seems to show).

Answer:

The mass is slightly less than 255 grams.