To place the numbers in descending order, we need to first express them clearly and then compare their values based on the exponent part:
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-8} \)
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) (first instance)
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-12} \)
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) (second instance)
Now, we compare the exponents:
- \( 10^{-8} \) is greater than \( 10^{-10} \) and \( 10^{-12} \).
- \( 10^{-10} \) is greater than \( 10^{-12} \).
Thus, the order from greatest to least is:
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-8} \)
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) (first instance)
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) (second instance)
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-12} \)
In conclusion, the numbers in descending order are:
\( 2.3 \times 10^{-8}, 2.3 \times 10^{-10}, 2.3 \times 10^{-10}, 2.3 \times 10^{-12} \)