16. The weight of a red blood cell is about 4.5 X 10*11 grams. A blood sample has 1.6 X 10 red blood cells. What is the total weight, in grams, of red blood cells in the sample the answer with the correct scientific notation.
Answer: B
The total weight of red blood cells in the sample is 7.2 X 10^(-4) grams.
To find the total weight of the red blood cells, we multiply the weight of a single red blood cell (4.5 X 10^(-11) grams) by the total number of red blood cells (1.6 X 10^10). The calculation results in a total weight of 7.2 X 10^(-4) grams.
A) 2.9 X 10^18
This option is incorrect because it suggests an excessively high total weight, which does not align with the multiplication of the weight of a single red blood cell and the total count of cells. The correct calculation yields a value much smaller than 2.9 X 10^18.
B) 7.2 X 10^(-4)
This option is correct as it reflects the accurate calculation of the total weight of the red blood cells. By multiplying 4.5 X 10^(-11) grams by 1.6 X 10^10 cells, the product indeed equals 7.2 X 10^(-4) grams.
C) 7.2 X 10^(-77)
This choice is incorrect as it represents a value that is far too small and does not correctly result from the calculation of the total weight. The scientific notation does not correlate with the given weight of the red blood cells and their quantity.
D) 6.1 X 10^(-4)
This option is also incorrect because it does not match the calculated total weight. The calculation performed yields 7.2 X 10^(-4) grams, making this option inaccurate in comparison to the correct result.
Conclusion
The correct answer, 7.2 X 10^(-4) grams, is supported by the accurate multiplication of the weight of a red blood cell and the total number of cells. All other options either misrepresent the scale of the total weight or provide incorrect calculations, thereby confirming that they cannot be correct.