Final answer:
To determine which option represents the greatest mass, all values are converted to the SI base unit, kilograms (kg). After doing the conversions, option C, 0.0010 kg, is identified as the greatest mass among the options provided.
The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is asking to compare different mass measurements to determine which represents the greatest mass. To compare the masses, we need to convert all options to the same unit, which is the kilogram (kg), the SI base unit of mass. The units given are in milligrams (mg), decigrams (dg), and kilograms (kg).
- A. 2.0 x 10^3 mg: Since there are 1,000 mg in 1 g and 1,000 g in 1 kg, the mass is
2.0 x 10^3 mg * (1 g / 1,000 mg) * (1 kg / 1,000 g) = 2.0 x 10^-3 kg. - B. 10.0 dg: With 10 dg in one gram and the same conversion for grams to kilograms, the mass is
10.0 dg * (1 g / 10 dg) * (1 kg / 1,000 g) = 10.0 x 10^-4 kg or 1.0 x 10^-3 kg. - C. 0.0010 kg: This is already in kilograms, so the mass is simply 1.0 x 10^-3 kg.
Comparing the masses now in kilograms, it is clear that option C, 0.0010 kg (or 1.0 x 10^-3 kg), represents the greatest mass.
The correct option is C.