Solve Density Problem: Mass of 10mi³ Seawater

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a problem related to the mass of 10 cubic miles of seawater, given its density of 1.1 g/cm³. Participants explore unit conversions necessary to calculate the mass, focusing on the conversion of volume from cubic miles to cubic centimeters.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help in solving the problem, indicating difficulty with the calculations.
  • Another participant provides a method for calculating mass using the formula for density, suggesting the need to convert cubic miles to cubic centimeters first.
  • A different participant mentions the conversion factor from miles to kilometers and attempts to derive the volume in centimeters cubed, noting the difference in scale between kilometers and centimeters.
  • There is a clarification regarding the need to cube the conversion factor when converting cubic miles to cubic centimeters, with one participant correcting another's earlier statement about the conversion.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the conversion process and the correct application of the density formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for unit conversion but express differing views on the specifics of the conversion process and calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact method to arrive at the final mass.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings in unit conversion and the need for precise conversion factors, which are not fully established in the discussion.

starsun
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does anyone know how to solve this problem? I've been trying to figure it out for so long but obviously i cant. here's the problem:

Density of seawater is 1.1g/cm cubed. Determine the mass of 10mile cubed of seawater.

thanks :smile:
 
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i can show you the units but you will have to look up the conversion factors.

1.1 g seawater/cm^3 x 100^3 cm^3/1m^3 x (how ever many meters in 1 mile)^3 m^3/mi^3 x 10 mi^3= x g of seawater.
 
Well, density is Mass divided by Volume

d = m/v

d(v) = m

So, you only need to convert 10 miles cubed into centimeters cubed.

Just look up on a simple conversion table.

Mile to Cm conversion.. hmm.. *pulls out chemistry textbook*
Well, I've only got miles to km here, which is 1 mi = 1.609 km.
Soo... that means 10(1.609x10^5) will give you your volume.

10^5 because kilo--> centi has a five place difference.
Kilo is 1000 and centi is .01
So that means there is 10^5 centimeters in one kilometer.

Then just divide.

I think that's correct.
We're doing this same thing in my General Chemistry I course.
 
density should be in g/cm^3, the latter corresponds to mass/volume. You need to convert a cube having a volume of 10 x 10 x 10 miles, to cm^3...its standard factor label calculations.
 
Azrioch said:
Mile to Cm conversion.. hmm.. *pulls out chemistry textbook*
Well, I've only got miles to km here, which is 1 mi = 1.609 km.
Soo... that means 10(1.609x10^5) will give you your volume.

I'm sure Azrioch meant to write 10(1.609x10^5)^3, which would be the correct conversion of 10 cubic miles into cubic centimeters.

Just to make sure there's no misunderstanding arising out of convention, this is
[tex]10 * (1.609*{10}^5)^3[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Ah, yes, whoops...

:rolleyes:
 

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