Density of a platinum-iridium cylinder

In summary, the standard kilogram is a platinum-iridium cylinder with dimensions of 39.0 mm in height and 39.0 mm in diameter. To find the density of the material, the formula V = h(pi)r^2 is used, with the measurements converted to meters. The correct answer is 2.15*10^4 kg/m^3, with the original calculation resulting in 2.14642786 × 10^4 kg/m^3. The discrepancy in the final answer is due to rounding and units.
  • #1
Minihoudini
28
0

Homework Statement



The standard kilogram is a platinum-iridium cylinder 39.0 mm in height and 39.0 mm in diameter. What is the density of the material?

Homework Equations



now I know that to find volume you have to use v=h(pi)r^2
and I also know you have to convert it to meters. When I do I get this
(0.039)(pi)(0.0195)^2
which gives me 4.6589033654573236278091385713189e-5
so this is what I get over all
1 / (39.0 * pi * (19.5^2)) = 2.14642786 × 10-5
yet the answer is 2.15*10^4k/m^3
can someone tell me what I am doing wrong, and if I am suppose to convert the 2.14

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well, 2.1464 is rounded up to 2.15 if one is using three significant digits in the final answer.

One's solution is correct, the density is about 21464 or approximately 21500 kg/m3
 
  • #3
That answer is correct but be careful with units. 21464 is in millimeters. so it would be 21.464 kg/m^3
 
  • #4
1 / (39.0 * pi * (19.5^2)) = 2.14642786 × 10-5

This step is wrong. It should be
1 / (0.0390 * pi * (0.195^2)) = 2.14642786 × 10^4
 

1. What is the density of a platinum-iridium cylinder?

The density of a platinum-iridium cylinder is approximately 21.45 grams per cubic centimeter.

2. How is the density of a platinum-iridium cylinder determined?

The density of a platinum-iridium cylinder is determined by dividing the mass of the cylinder by its volume. The mass can be measured using a balance, while the volume can be calculated by measuring the dimensions of the cylinder.

3. Why is a platinum-iridium cylinder used for measuring density?

A platinum-iridium cylinder is used for measuring density because it has a very high density and is resistant to corrosion. This makes it a reliable and accurate standard for measuring the density of other substances.

4. How does the density of a platinum-iridium cylinder change with temperature?

The density of a platinum-iridium cylinder remains relatively constant with changes in temperature. However, it may experience very slight variations due to thermal expansion and contraction of the material.

5. What is the significance of the density of a platinum-iridium cylinder?

The density of a platinum-iridium cylinder is significant because it is used as the standard for defining the kilogram, which is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). This ensures consistency and accuracy in measurements of mass and density across different laboratories and industries.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
725
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
44
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Back
Top