Finding the approximate diameter of an oil molecule

In summary, the conversation discusses solving a question involving a droplet of oil spreading out on a water surface and forming an oil slick. The question asks for the approximate diameter of an oil molecule based on the given mass and density of the oil droplet. To solve this, one must find the volume of the droplet using the relationship between density and volume.
  • #1
joshuas09
1
0
How do you solve a question like this ? :you can obtain a rough estimate of the following simple experiment-let a droplet of oil spread out on a fairly large but smooth water surface .the resulting oil slick that forms On the surface of the water will be approximately one molecule thick. Given an oil droplet with a mass of 9.00 x 10^-7kg and a density of 918kg/m^3 that spreads out to form a circle with a radius of 41.8 cm on the water surface , what is the approximate diameter of an oil molecule?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I have moved your post into its own thread in a better suited forum. Tagging this question onto an exiting thread in a probability forum would likely have resulted in your question being largely ignored.

I would begin with the relationship between density and volume. We are given mass and density of the drop of oil, can you find the volume?
 

1. How do you find the approximate diameter of an oil molecule?

The approximate diameter of an oil molecule can be found using a process called oil drop experiment. In this experiment, small oil droplets are placed in an electric field and their movement is observed. The diameter of the oil molecule can be calculated by measuring the speed of the droplet and the strength of the electric field.

2. Why is it important to know the diameter of an oil molecule?

Knowing the diameter of an oil molecule is important in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and engineering. It helps in understanding the properties and behavior of oil, as well as its interactions with other molecules. It also plays a crucial role in designing and developing products that use oil as a key component.

3. What is the typical diameter of an oil molecule?

The approximate diameter of an oil molecule is around 0.00000001 meters or 10 nanometers. However, this can vary depending on the type of oil and its composition.

4. Can the diameter of an oil molecule be measured directly?

No, the diameter of an oil molecule cannot be measured directly as it is too small to be seen under a microscope. It can only be estimated using indirect methods such as the oil drop experiment or through advanced imaging techniques like atomic force microscopy.

5. How does the diameter of an oil molecule affect its properties?

The diameter of an oil molecule can greatly affect its physical and chemical properties. Smaller molecules tend to have lower boiling points and are more volatile, while larger molecules have higher boiling points and are less volatile. The diameter also plays a role in the viscosity and density of oil, which can impact its flow and behavior in different environments.

Similar threads

What is the approximate diameter of an oil molecule?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
21K
How Big is the Oil Slick Created by Spilled Oil on a Lake?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
855
Change of g due to oil deposit
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
Measuring the size of a molecule
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
Spherical drop of oil question
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
What is the Diameter of an Oil Slick Spreading on a Lake?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
4K
Volume occupied a single molecule of water.
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
B Mass and Surface Gravity of a Dyson Sphere
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Problem with solving differential equation to solve for time
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Help with question regarding surface area
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top