How to Find Volume of Air in Filled Cylinder?

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    Air Cylinder Volume
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to find the volume of air in a cylinder that is filled to a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi). Participants explore the implications of the given pressure and the necessary information required to determine the volume, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to find the volume of air given only the pressure, indicating it seems like a simple question but is stumped.
  • Another participant asserts that the volume cannot be determined solely from the pressure, emphasizing that the size of the cylinder is essential.
  • A third participant agrees that more information is needed, noting that the formula for the volume of a cylinder (V = pi(r^2)h) requires dimensions of the cylinder, not just pressure.
  • A later reply critiques the phrasing of "volume of air," suggesting that it is misleading and that the volume of air in a tank is simply the volume of the tank itself. They also mention the possibility that the question might imply finding the volume at standard temperature and pressure, but this is not specified.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the question lacks sufficient information to determine the volume of air, with multiple competing views on the interpretation of the question and the relevance of pressure.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the question, including missing dimensions of the cylinder and ambiguity regarding the conditions under which the volume should be calculated.

vivian
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I'm new to the forum, and trying to find the answer to this question:

How do I find the volume of air in a cylinder if the cylinder is filled to 10 pounds per square inch.


This seems like a simple question, but has me stumped.


Thanks a bunch
 
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You can't- it depends solely upon the size of the cylinder, not the pressure.
 
ya, the question needs more information. You are only given pressure. The formula for volume of a cylinder is: V = pi(r^2)h, and pressure is mass/volume. You are not given enough information to solve the questions, since there is can be an infinite amount of comtainers that have a pressure of 10psi.
 
Pressure is force per unit area. Density is mass per unit volume.

Also, the phrase "volume of air" is very misleading. The volume of air in a given tank is naturally just the volume of the tank. They might have intended you to find the volume that the air would occupy at standard temperature and pressure, but they didn't specify that either.

All in all, it's a totally unintelligible question.

- Warren
 

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