Which of the following numbers is equivalent to 2.0 × 10^{-5} L when written in standard decimal notation?

• A. 0.0002 L
• B. 0.00002 L
• C. 0.002 L
• D. 0.02 L

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the number 2.0 × 10^{-5} L is written in scientific notation, where the exponent indicates how many places to move the decimal point.
2. Since the exponent is -5, move the decimal point 5 places to the left from the number 2.0.
3. Start with 2.0 and move the decimal point left 5 places, adding zeros as placeholders where necessary.
4. After moving the decimal point 5 places left, the number becomes 0.00002 L in standard decimal notation.
5. Compare this result with the given options to identify the equivalent number.