Final answer:
The most precise measurement of a certain object's mass out of the given options is (d) 4.166 x 10⁵ kg, as it has the highest number of significant figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following measurements of a certain object's mass is the most precise:
- a. 4.1 x 10⁵ kg
- b. 415000 kg
- c. 400000 kg
- d. 4.166 x 10⁵ kg
Precision refers to the level of detail in a measurement. The more decimal places or significant figures a measurement has, the more precise it is deemed to be. Out of the options given, option (d) 4.166 x 10⁵ kg is the most precise because it has four significant figures after the decimal place, compared with option (b) which has no decimal places, and also (a) and (c) which both have lesser significant figures.
Precision is crucial in scientific measurements, as it reduces the uncertainty and allows for more accurate and detailed information about the object being measured.