Question

question 16 of 25
a group of students measure the mass of a soil sample.
they record the following measurements: 65.7 g, 69 g, 60
g, and 64.58 g.
the actual mass of the soil sample is 68.0 g. which measurement is the
most precise?
a. 60 g
b. 69 g
c. 64.58 g
d. 65.7 g

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Precision Definition

Precision relates to the number of decimal places (or significant figures) in a measurement, showing how detailed the measurement is.

Step2: Analyze Each Option

• Option A: 60 g has 1 significant figure (the 6, as trailing zero without decimal is ambiguous, but here it's written as 60 g, so precision is to the tens place).
• Option B: 69 g has 2 significant figures, precision to the ones place.
• Option C: 64.58 g has 4 significant figures, precision to the hundredths place (two decimal places).
• Option D: 65.7 g has 3 significant figures, precision to the tenths place (one decimal place).

Step3: Compare Precision Levels

The more decimal places (or higher precision in significant figures' detail), the more precise. 64.58 g has the most decimal places (hundredths) among the options.

Answer:

C. 64.58 g