Question

the wavelength of blue light is 0.00000045 m. express this wavelength in scientific notation. possible points: 1
4.5 × 10⁻⁷ m (selected)
4.5 × 10⁻⁶ m
4.5 × 10⁶ m
4.5 × 10⁷ m

Explanation:

Step1: Recall scientific notation rules

Scientific notation is \(a\times10^{n}\), where \(1\leq|a|\lt10\) and \(n\) is an integer. For a number less than 1, \(n\) is negative and equals the number of places the decimal moves to the right to get \(a\) between 1 and 10.

Step2: Analyze the given number

The number is \(0.00000045\). Move the decimal point 7 places to the right to get \(4.5\) (since \(0.00000045 = 4.5\times10^{-7}\), because moving the decimal 7 places right gives the positive exponent in the denominator, which is equivalent to a negative exponent in scientific notation).

Answer:

A. \(4.5\times10^{-7}\text{ m}\)