Explanation:

- To find the number of ways to place 6 distinct balls into 5 distinct boxes, consider that each ball can be placed independently in any of the boxes.

- You have 5 choices for the first ball, 5 choices for the second ball, and similarly up to the sixth ball.

- Therefore, the total number of ways is calculated by \(5^6\).

- \(5^6 = 15625\).

Correct Answer:

- Option 2: 15625