Is the Density Conversion Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of density from grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) to kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) and the calculation of mass for a potassium carbonate solution. Participants explore the conversion process, share their calculations, and seek validation of their results.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a density conversion calculation, converting 1.37 g/cm³ to kg/m³ and arrives at 1370.0 kg/m³, expressing uncertainty about the result.
  • Another participant questions the initial conversion factors provided, suggesting a misunderstanding of the notation used for units.
  • A participant suggests checking the answers by estimating against known values, such as the density of water, which leads to further confusion regarding the correctness of the initial calculation.
  • One participant elaborates on the conversion process using dimensional analysis, explaining how to multiply by conversion factors to arrive at the correct units, but does not confirm the correctness of the initial participant's answer.
  • Another participant expresses doubt about their own calculations, questioning if their answer of 1370 kg/m³ is incorrect based on the comparison to water's density.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the density conversion and the calculations involved. There is no consensus on whether the initial answer is correct, and multiple viewpoints on the conversion process are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings in unit conversions and the importance of dimensional analysis, but do not resolve the discrepancies in their calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in chemistry, physics, or engineering who are learning about unit conversions and density calculations may find this discussion relevant.

dagg3r
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The density of a substance is 1.37 g/cm3. Convert this into kg/m3.
Remember that: 1kg = 103 g and 1 m = 102 cm. Express your answer to 1 decimal place (don't include units).

what i did is

1.37g = 0.00137 kg
1cm^3 = 1*10^-6 ie (1/(10^3))

0.00137 / (1*10^-6) = 1370.0 kg/m^3 is that correct?

i don't think so looks so large hehehe maybe I am confused heh someone shed some light on that
-----------------

question 2
What mass of K2CO3 is needed to prepare 200 mL of a solution having a potassium ion concentration of 0.150 M? (molecular mass of K2CO3 = 138.2 g mol-1)
Hint: remember that 2 K+ ions are produced in the solution, so twice the conc of the original salt)

its a multiple choice answer i did the working out and got 2.07g is that correct?

ill show whawt i did
n(k2c03)=0.150*(200/1000L)=0.03 mol /2 = 0.015mol
0.015 * 138.2gmol^-1 = 2.0703g

i hope that's right please tell me if it is wrong or right ppl thanks
 
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"Remember that: 1kg = 103 g and 1 m = 102 cm. "

What? Is this like saying "pi=3"?

Oh! Oh. Of course, you meant 1kg=10^3g and 1m=10^2cm.




Check you answers by estimation. Water is 1g per cubic cm. 1 cubic meter of water is 1000kg. Do your answers fall in line?
 
DaveC426913 said:
"

Check you answers by estimation. Water is 1g per cubic cm. 1 cubic meter of water is 1000kg. Do your answers fall in line?


so i assume my answer is wrong? since i had 1cubic centimeter nearly 1000kg? so how would i correctly do the density question some one please show me thanks
 
dagg3r said:
The density of a substance is 1.37 g/cm3. Convert this into kg/m3.
Remember that: 1kg = 103 g and 1 m = 102 cm. Express your answer to 1 decimal place (don't include units).

what i did is

1.37g = 0.00137 kg
1cm^3 = 1*10^-6 ie (1/(10^3))

0.00137 / (1*10^-6) = 1370.0 kg/m^3 is that correct?

i don't think so looks so large hehehe maybe I am confused heh someone shed some light on that

OK, I'll spend some time doing this because there is a very simple technique in doing such conversion, and dimensional analysis is such an important, but simple part of chemistry (and physics, and engineering), that this should be taught clearly.

What you need to do is actually multiply by 1! I'll explain. You have

[tex]1.37 \frac{g}{cm^3}[/tex]

You need to mulply that by "1" and handle the units as if they are like any algebraic symbol. The "1" that you are going to mutiply is the conversion factor. I will first do the numerator, which is "g" as such:

[tex]1.37 \frac{g}{cm^3} \frac{1 kg}{1000 g}[/tex]

I multiplied that with 1kg/1000g which actually hasn't changed anything. That fraction is really just "1", only it is expressed in different units. Notice now that the unit "g" cancels out just like any algebraic units, leaving you now, if you do the numerical calculation, with a quantity having the units kg/cm^3. So now let's deal with the cm^3 unit. I can again multiply with another "1", since I know that 1m = 100 cm. Thus

[tex]1.37 \frac{g}{cm^3} \frac{1 kg}{1000 g} \frac{100*100*100 cm^3}{1 m^3}[/tex]

Again, note that cm^3 cancels out, leaving you with m^3. You now have a number in units that you want.

Again, the technique here is to do this ONE step at a time, and find the connection between the necessary units (i.e. 1 kg = 1000g, 1m = 100 cm), and use those relationship to form a fraction that is essentially "1". Then multiply that to the number you want to convert. Note that in some cases, you have to do this is more than just one, or two, or three, or more steps. As long as you keep the conversion straight, and make sure the units cancel out until you get the right units, this technique should work all the time.

Zz.
 
dagg3r said:
so i assume my answer is wrong? since i had 1cubic centimeter nearly 1000kg? so how would i correctly do the density question some one please show me thanks

What do you mean wrong? Your answer was 1370kg per cubic metre.
 

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