The size of a hydrogen atom is about 1.2 × 10^−10 m across. The size of an oxygen atom is 0.000000000152 m across. What is the difference between the sizes of these atoms in scientific notation? (1 point)

Question

3.2 × 10^−10 m

2.72 × 10^−10 m

3.2 × 10^−9 m

3.2 × 10^−11 m

Answer 1

To determine the difference between the sizes of these atoms, we subtract the size of the hydrogen atom from the size of the oxygen atom:

0.000000000152 m - 1.2 × 10^−10 m

To simplify this subtraction, we need to express both measurements in scientific notation with the same exponent:

0.000000000152 m = 1.52 × 10^-10 m

Now we can subtract the two values:

1.52 × 10^-10 m - 1.2 × 10^−10 m = (1.52 - 1.2) × 10^-10 m = 0.32 × 10^-10 m

Finally, we express the result in proper scientific notation:

0.32 × 10^-10 m = 3.2 × 10^-11 m

Therefore, the difference between the sizes of these atoms is 3.2 × 10^-11 m. Answer: 3.2 × 10^-11 m.