Fraction of Air in Styrofoam Experiment

  • Thread starter blob
  • Start date
In summary, to determine the fraction of air in a sample of Styrofoam, an experiment can be performed by collecting samples of both Polystyrene and Styrofoam with the same mass, measuring their volumes, and calculating their densities. The difference in densities can then be divided by the density of Polystyrene to determine the fraction of air in the Styrofoam sample.
  • #1
blob
1
0

Homework Statement


Devise and preform an experiment to determine what fraction of the volume of a sample of Styrofoam is air. We know that Styrofoam is made of Polystyrene with air bubbles. The mass is the same, the volume is different.

Homework Equations


Mass/Volume=Density

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I thought that If I find the density of both the samples (Polystyrene and the Styrofoam) and find the difference and divide it by the density of the Polystyrene I could find the fraction of air, but I'm not very sure.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The experiment could go as follows:1. Collect a sample of Polystyrene and Styrofoam of the same mass.2. Measure the volume of both samples. 3. Divide the mass by the volume to calculate the density of both samples.4. Subtract the density of the Styrofoam from the density of the Polystyrene.5. Divide the result by the density of the Polystyrene. 6. The result will be the fraction of air in the Styrofoam.
 

What is the difference between Polystyrene and Styrofoam?

Polystyrene is a type of plastic that is made from the monomer styrene, while Styrofoam is a brand name for a type of expanded polystyrene foam. In other words, Styrofoam is a specific product made from polystyrene.

Is Polystyrene and Styrofoam recyclable?

Yes, both polystyrene and Styrofoam can be recycled. However, not all recycling facilities accept these materials, so it is important to check with your local recycling program to see if they are accepted and how they should be prepared for recycling.

What are the common uses of Polystyrene and Styrofoam?

Polystyrene is commonly used to make disposable food containers, packaging materials, and insulation. Styrofoam is often used for insulation, packaging, and as a lightweight material for crafts and decorations.

Are Polystyrene and Styrofoam harmful to the environment?

Both polystyrene and Styrofoam are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally in the environment. This can lead to them accumulating in landfills and polluting oceans and waterways. Additionally, the production of polystyrene and Styrofoam can release harmful chemicals into the environment.

Can Polystyrene and Styrofoam be replaced with more environmentally friendly materials?

Yes, there are many alternatives to polystyrene and Styrofoam that are more environmentally friendly, such as paper-based packaging materials and biodegradable polymers. It is important to consider these alternatives and reduce the use of polystyrene and Styrofoam to help protect the environment.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
796
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
737
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
493
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top