Final answer:
The statement that is an example of a fact is 'A. Mrs. Christensen weighs 142 pounds' because it can be objectively verified through measurement, unlike the other statements that are based on opinions or subjective observations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following statements is an example of a fact? The answer is A. Mrs. Christensen weighs 142 pounds. This statement can be verified through measurement, which makes it a factual statement. On the other hand, statements B, C, and D involve personal judgments and perceptions and cannot be proven true or false in an objective way. For example, saying 'Mrs. Christensen is too thin' is a subjective opinion, while 'Mrs. Christensen seems happy when we serve meatloaf' is an observation that might not hold true universally. 'Mrs. Christensen is lonely' also cannot be proven as a fact since it's based on personal interpretation.
In science, a fact is a statement that can be proven true or false through evidence and data. Facts are important in scientific discourse because they provide a foundation for developing theories and understanding the world around us. Understanding the difference between facts and opinions is crucial in various aspects of learning.