How could you find the mass of a box of pencils? Find the mass of the parts, and then add those masses together. Find the mass of each pencil and the mass of the box, and then add those masses together. Find the mass of the whole. all of the above
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: All of the above
To find the mass of a box of pencils, several valid methods can be used, depending on what tools are available and the situation. All of the provided options are correct and practical approaches.
The first method is to find the mass of the parts and then add them together. This means measuring the mass of each component separately, such as the pencils and the box, and combining those measurements to get the total mass. This method is accurate when you have access to a scale that can measure small items individually and when you want to understand how much each part contributes to the total.
The second method is a more detailed version of the first. You measure the mass of each pencil and then the box by itself. Afterward, you add these values to find the total mass. This is helpful when you want very precise data, such as when each pencil might be slightly different in weight or when the box material adds a measurable amount.
The third method is to find the mass of the whole item. You can place the entire box of pencils on a scale and record the reading. This is the fastest and simplest method. It is especially useful when the box is sealed or when individual measurement is not necessary.
All three methods work and are valid in different contexts. The choice depends on your purpose, available equipment, and the level of precision required. If your goal is to get the total mass, all approaches will lead to the same result when done correctly. Therefore, the best answer is “all of the above,” as each method gives you a way to find the mass of the box of pencils.