Final answer:
To convert 48 pounds to grams, multiply by the conversion factor 1 kg/2.2 lbs and then by 1000 g/1 kg. After conversion and considering significant figures, the answer is 21,818 grams (Option B).
Step-by-step explanation:
To convert 48 pounds to grams, the student should use the given conversion factors in the following calculation:
48 lbs. × 1 kg/2.2 lbs. × 1000 g/1 kg = grams.
First, convert pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2 (since there are approximately 2.2 pounds in a kilogram):
48 lbs. ÷ 2.2 = approximately 21.81818 kg.
Then, convert kilograms to grams by multiplying by 1000 (since there are 1000 grams in a kilogram):
21.81818 kg × 1000 = 21818.18 g.
Now, considering significant figures, we see that our conversion factor for pounds to kilograms (1 kg/2.2 lbs.) has a three-significant-figure value (2.2), so our answer must be rounded to the same number of significant figures. This gives us:
21,818 g.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. 21,818 g.