Final answer:
To calculate the mean number of bacteria in a 5 ml water sample with a concentration of 8 bacteria per milliliter, you multiply 8 by 5, which equals 40 bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the mean number of bacteria in a 5 milliliter sample when the concentration is 8 bacteria per milliliter, we simply multiply the concentration by the volume of the sample.
- Concentration of bacteria = 8 bacteria/ml
- Volume of the sample = 5 ml
Mean number of bacteria = Concentration × Volume
Mean number of bacteria = 8 bacteria/ml × 5 ml = 40 bacteria
This calculation assumes a homogenous distribution of bacteria in the water and that the concentration remains consistent across the entire sample.