Let's analyze the question and solve it.

Given:

• The net of a rectangular prism is shown, with dimensions labeled:
  • 2 ft (length)
  • 1.5 ft (width)
• The task is to identify the NOT true statement from the provided choices.

Step 1: Dimensions of the Prism

From the net:

• Two opposite bases are $3.5 \, \text{ft} \times 1.5 \, \text{ft}$.
• The lateral faces are:
  • Two faces of $2 \, \text{ft} \times 1.5 \, \text{ft}$.
  • Two faces of $2 \, \text{ft} \times 3.5 \, \text{ft}$.

Step 2: Verify the Statements

1. Option A: The prism has two pairs of congruent sides.

   • True: The bases and lateral faces come in pairs with identical dimensions, so the prism has congruent sides.

2. Option B: The lateral surface area is $24.5 \, \text{square feet}$.

   • Calculate the lateral surface area:
     • Two faces: $2 \, \text{ft} \times 1.5 \, \text{ft} = 3 \, \text{sq. ft each}$.
     • Two faces: $2 \, \text{ft} \times 3.5 \, \text{ft} = 7 \, \text{sq. ft each}$.
     • Total lateral area: $2 \cdot 3 + 2 \cdot 7 = 6 + 14 = 20 \, \text{sq. ft}$.
   • False: The lateral surface area is not $24.5 \, \text{sq. ft}$.

3. Option C: The dimensions of one of the bases are $3.5 \, \text{ft} \times 1.5 \, \text{ft}$.

   • True: The bases clearly match this dimension from the net.

4. Option D: The total surface area is $30.5 \, \text{square feet}$.

   • Calculate the total surface area:
     • Bases: $2 \cdot (3.5 \cdot 1.5) = 2 \cdot 5.25 = 10.5 \, \text{sq. ft}$.
     • Lateral area: $20 \, \text{sq. ft}$.
     • Total area: $10.5 + 20 = 30.5 \, \text{sq. ft}$.
   • True: The total surface area is $30.5 \, \text{sq. ft}$.

Step 3: Conclusion

The statement that is NOT true is Option B: The lateral surface area is 24.5 square feet.

Would you like me to elaborate further or break down any calculations? Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

1. How do you calculate the total surface area for a rectangular prism?
2. What is the importance of congruent sides in three-dimensional shapes?
3. Can you derive the formula for the surface area of a rectangular prism?
4. What are some practical applications of calculating lateral surface areas?
5. How would the calculations change if one of the dimensions of the net was doubled?

Tip: Always verify each part of a multi-step problem to avoid errors in large calculations.