Earth mass and density problem

In summary, using the given information: the Earth has a diameter of 12.70 km and an average density of 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter. A nucleon has a mass of 1.67 x 10⁻²⁷ kilograms. If the Earth's mass is entirely due to its nucleons, there should be approximately 3.53 * 10⁴² nucleons in the Earth. However, this answer is not accurate because the given density is in grams per cubic centimeter, not kilograms per cubic meter. Therefore, the calculation needs to be adjusted to account for the difference in units.
  • #1
hndalama
32
0

Homework Statement


The Earth is about 12.70 km in diameter. The Earth’s average density is about 5.5 grams cubic centimeter. A nucleon (the main constituent of an atomic nucleus) has a mass of about 1.67 x 10⁻²⁷ kilograms. If the Earth’s mass is entirely due to its nucleons, how many nucleons are in the Earth?

Homework Equations


Volume = 4/3pi*r3

The Attempt at a Solution


radius =6350m
volume = 4/3pi*(6350)3 = 1.07 *1012
density =5.5g/cm3 =5500kg/m3
Earth's mass = density*volume
=5500kg/m3 * 1.07 *1012
=5.899 *1015 kg

number of nucleons= 5.899 *1015 kg / 1.67 x 10⁻²⁷
= 3.53 * 1042

This answer is wrong but why is it wrong?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
hndalama said:
The Earth is about 12.70 km in diameter.
Uh ... seriously?
 
  • #3
phinds said:
Uh ... seriously?
lol, thank you, I thought something was fishy :smile:
 

What is the Earth's mass?

The Earth's mass is approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kilograms.

What is the Earth's density?

The Earth's average density is about 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter.

How do scientists determine the Earth's mass and density?

Scientists use various methods, such as satellite measurements and gravitational calculations, to determine the Earth's mass and density.

How does the Earth's mass and density compare to other planets?

The Earth's mass and density are similar to those of Venus and Mars, but significantly greater than those of the gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn.

How does the Earth's mass and density affect its gravitational pull?

The Earth's mass and density play a significant role in its gravitational pull, which is what keeps objects on its surface and dictates the orbit of the Moon around the Earth.

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