The magnification, calculated as 73 times, describes the relationship between the observed image size (16 cm) and the actual cell size (0.22 cm) when viewed through the microscope.
The magnification (M) of an image viewed through a microscope can be calculated using the formula:
M = Image Size / Actual Size
In this case, the image size is the diameter of the cell as viewed through the microscope (16 cm), and the actual size is the actual diameter of the cell (0.22 cm).
M = 16 cm / 0.22 cm
M ≈ 72.727
Now, round the answer to three significant figures:
M ≈ 73
Therefore, the magnification is approximately 73 times.