Question

Suppose a certain type of deciduous tree releases 7500 leaves on average each fall. If the average mass of each leaf is 1.7 g and a 135,000 acre forest has 206 of these trees per acre, how many kilograms of leaves are dropped on the forest floor each fall? Express the answer in scientific notation and with the correct number of significant digits.

Answer 1

Mass of leaves in scientific notation =
`3.55*10^8kg`

Step-by-step explanation:

Number of leaves released by type of deciduous tree = 7500 leaves on average each fall

Mass of 1 leaf = 1.7 grams =
`1.7*10^(-3)kg`

Mass of 7500 leaves =
`7500*1.7*10^(-3) = 12.75kg`

No trees per acre = 206

Area of forest = 135,000 acre.

Total no of trees in 135,000 acre = 135,000 * 206 =
`2.781*10^7` trees

Mass of leaves fallen in 135,000 acre =
`12.75*2.781*10^7=3.55*10^8kg`

Mass of leaves in scientific notation =
`3.55*10^8kg`