What is the square root of 16?

The square root of a number refers to a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In this case, we are looking for a number that, when squared, equals 16.

When calculating, 4 multiplied by 4 equals 16 (4 × 4 = 16). This demonstrates that 4 is the number whose square results in 16. Therefore, the correct answer is indeed 4, as it perfectly satisfies the definition of a square root for the number 16.

Other options do not fulfill this condition. For example, 2 squared is 4, 3 squared is 9, and 5 squared is 25, none of which result in 16. This reinforces that 4 is the only valid square root for the number 16.