Question

The product of 2 x 10^4 cm and 4 x 10^-12 cm, expressed in scientific notation is _. a) 8 x 10^-8 cm² b) 6 x 10^-8 cm² c) 8 x 10^8 cm² d) 6 x 10^8 cm²

Answer 1

The product of 2 x 10⁴ cm and 4 x 10⁻¹² cm is 8 x 10⁻⁸ cm² when expressed in scientific notation, with the correct option being (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the product of two numbers expressed in scientific notation. To find the product of 2 x 104 cm and 4 x 10-12 cm, you multiply the numbers just like with any other numbers, remembering to multiply the coefficients (2 and 4) and add the exponents (4 and -12).

Here's the step-by-step calculation:

1. Multiply the coefficients: 2 × 4 = 8.
2. Add the exponents: 4 + (-12) = -8.
3. Combine the results in scientific notation: 8 x 10-8 cm2 (because we are dealing with an area, hence the cm²).

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 8 x 10-8 cm².