Astronomers often detect radio waves with wavelengths of 3,000,000,000 nm. What is this wavelength expressed in decameters (dam)?

• A. 3 dam
• B. 0.3 dam
• C. 30 dam
• D. 0.03 dam

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Start by understanding the units involved: the given wavelength is in nanometers (nm), and we need to convert it to decameters (dam).
2. Recall the conversion factors: 1 nanometer (nm) is equal to 1 x 10^-9 meters (m), and 1 decameter (dam) is equal to 10 meters (m).
3. Convert the given wavelength from nanometers to meters using the conversion factor: 3,000,000,000 nm * (1 x 10^-9 m/nm).
4. Now, convert the result from meters to decameters using the conversion factor: result in meters * (1 dam/10 m).
5. Simplify the expression to find the wavelength in decameters. This will give you the final answer.