Final answer:
The optimal order for storing files on tape for access efficiency is from smallest to largest, hence the order would be F3, F1, F4, F5, F6, F2 as they have 50, 100, 80, 120, 150, and 200 records, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
To optimize access time for files stored on a tape, it is best to store them in order based on their size, starting with the smallest and ending with the largest. This is because tape storage requires sequential access, so minimizing the movement back and forth across the tape will improve access times. Given the files F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6, with record counts of 100, 200, 50, 80, 120, and 150 respectively, the optimal order for storage on the tape to access them would be starting with the file with the fewest records and proceeding to the file with the most.
Therefore, the correct order should be: F3, F1, F4, F5, F6, F2.
This method is analogous to sorting data values in ascending order for efficiency. For instance, in a data set consisting of numerical values such as salary amounts, if one were to organize them, one would list them from the smallest to the largest amount for a clearer understanding and easier access, such as in the case of Solution 2.15 provided for reference.