Correct Answer:
C. 10⁻¹² seconds
The correct answer is 10⁻¹² seconds. In the metric system, prefixes are used to denote multiples or submultiples of base units. The prefix 'pico-' (symbol p) represents a factor of 10⁻¹². Therefore, a picosecond (ps) is equal to one trillionth of a second.
- The options '10 seconds', '10 seconds', and '10 seconds' are incorrect. A picosecond specifically refers to 10⁻¹² seconds, indicating an extremely short duration. Understanding metric prefixes is fundamental in scientific measurements.