Correct Answer: 1 x 10-6m to 1 x 10-8m.
the scientist aims to compare the effects of varying concentrations of a compound on a microorganism, using concentrations between one micromolar (1 µm) and ten nanomolar (10 nm). to effectively communicate this range, it is crucial to choose a presentation format that clearly represents the scale and precision of the measurements involved.
in scientific research, when dealing with measurements that span multiple orders of magnitude, it is most effective to use scientific notation. this notation not only simplifies the representation of the numbers but also minimizes the risk of errors in decimal placement, which can be crucial in accurately reporting and reproducing scientific results.
the units of micromolar (µm) and nanomolar (nm) are commonly used in chemistry and biology to denote molar concentrations. here, 1 µm (micromolar) is equivalent to 1 x 10^-6 m (moles per liter), and 10 nm (nanomolar) is equivalent to 1 x 10^-8 m. the prefix "micro-" signifies a factor of 10^-6, and "nano-" signifies a factor of 10^-9. therefore, moving from a micromolar to a nanomolar concentration involves decreasing the concentration by a factor of 1,000, or three orders of magnitude (since 10^-6 m to 10^-9 m is a 1000-fold decrease).
given this, the correct way to express the range from 1 µm to 10 nm using scientific notation is from 1 x 10^-6 m to 1 x 10^-8 m. this notation clearly and accurately reflects the range of concentrations the scientist is testing, maintaining the proper scale and order of magnitude. it denotes that the highest concentration (1 x 10^-6 m) is 100 times greater than the lowest concentration (1 x 10^-8 m), showing two orders of magnitude difference.
other possible ways to express these concentrations, such as 0.000001m to 0.0000001m or using incorrectly scaled values, may lead to confusion or errors in interpretation. these formats are less concise and potentially more prone to rounding or transcription errors when communicated in scientific contexts.
in summary, using the expression 1 x 10^-6m to 1 x 10^-8m is the most accurate and practical way to present the data for the scientist's study, as it ensures clear, precise, and standard communication of concentration values across scientific disciplines.
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