In basic probability, what is the probability of an impossible event?

• A. $\frac{1}{2}$
• B. $0$
• C. $1$
• D. It cannot be determined without additional information.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an impossible event in probability: it is an event that cannot occur under any circumstances.
2. Recall the probability scale, which ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 means the event never happens and 1 means the event always happens.
3. Recognize that since an impossible event cannot happen, its probability must be the lowest value on the scale, which is 0.
4. Express this formally as \(P(\text{impossible event}) = 0\).
5. Conclude that the probability of an impossible event is always 0, regardless of any additional information.