Platelets and red blood cells are components of the blood. A typical platelet and red blood cell have diameters of approximately 2.33x10^-6m and 0.0000075m, respectively. Which blood component has a bigger diameter, and approximately by how much?

Answer 1

To determine which blood component has a bigger diameter, we can compare the diameters of platelets and red blood cells.

The diameter of a platelet is approximately 2.33x10^-6m, and the diameter of a red blood cell is approximately 0.0000075m.

To make a direct comparison, we can express both measurements in scientific notation with the same exponent:

Platelet diameter: 2.33x10^-6m
Red blood cell diameter: 7.5x10^-6m

Comparing the two expressions, we can see that the red blood cell has a bigger diameter. The difference in diameter can be calculated by subtracting the platelet diameter from the red blood cell diameter:

7.5x10^-6m - 2.33x10^-6m = 5.17x10^-6m

Therefore, the red blood cell has a bigger diameter than the platelet, approximately by 5.17x10^-6m.