To determine the mass of the final solution when 200.4 grams of water is mixed with 101.42 grams of salt, we need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the masses of the components:
- Mass of water: 200.4 grams
- Mass of salt: 101.42 grams
2. Calculate the total mass of the solution by adding the masses of the components:
[tex]\[
\text{Total mass} = \text{Mass of water} + \text{Mass of salt}
\][/tex]
Substituting in the given values:
[tex]\[
\text{Total mass} = 200.4 \, \text{g} + 101.42 \, \text{g}
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
\text{Total mass} = 301.82 \, \text{g}
\][/tex]
3. Compare the calculated total mass with the given options to determine the closest one:
- Option A) 302 g
- Option B) 301.8 g
- Option C) 300 g
- Option D) 301.82 g
4. Identify the option that exactly matches the calculated total mass:
The calculated total mass is [tex]\( 301.82 \, \text{g} \)[/tex].
Comparing this value with the given options, we see that the correct answer is:
[tex]\( \boxed{301.82} \, \text{g} \)[/tex]
Therefore, the mass of the final solution when 200.4 grams of water is mixed with 101.42 grams of salt would be reported as 301.82 grams. The correct option is D) 301.82 g.
