Calculate Length of Tinfoil Roll from Mass & Thickness

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the length of a tinfoil roll made from aluminum with a mass of 0.75 kg, a thickness of 18 μm, and a width of 25 cm. The key equations involved include volume (v = m/p), where p is the density of aluminum (2.7 g/cm³), and the area of the rectangle formed by the tinfoil sheet. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between mass, volume, and density to solve the problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of density (mass/volume) and its application
  • Familiarity with basic geometry, specifically area calculations
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between grams and kilograms
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to isolate variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate volume using the formula v = m/p in practical scenarios
  • Study the properties of aluminum and its applications in manufacturing
  • Explore geometric shapes and their areas, particularly rectangles and circles
  • Practice problems involving mass, volume, and density to reinforce concepts
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Students preparing for physics or chemistry exams, educators teaching material properties, and anyone interested in practical applications of density and volume calculations.

JUSTaROCK
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Homework Statement


Aluminum, which has a mass of 2.7 grams for each cubic centimeter of volume, can be rolled into thin sheets
which your grandparents probably called "tinfoil." If a lump of aluminum of mass 0.75 kg is rolled into such a
sheet 18 μm thick and 25 cm wide, approximately how long is this roll of "tinfoil?"



Homework Equations



v = m/p p = density
v = L * A
surface area of circle = 4pi(r)^2
area of circle = pi(r)^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I have spent a lot of time on this problem but i can't seem to get it right i do not know what to do with the width or the thickness. I have tried to play it off like the width is the diameter,(which seems possible), but i just don't know what to do i have been working on this problem for 2 days now and i can't figure out what to do with it, please help i have a final on this tomorrow and i see it a lot in the old exams so i would like to know how to approach it if the problem gives thickness and width.
 
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JUSTaROCK said:

Homework Statement


Aluminum, which has a mass of 2.7 grams for each cubic centimeter of volume, can be rolled into thin sheets
which your grandparents probably called "tinfoil." If a lump of aluminum of mass 0.75 kg is rolled into such a
sheet 18 μm thick and 25 cm wide, approximately how long is this roll of "tinfoil?"

Homework Equations



v = m/p p = density
v = L * A
surface area of circle = 4pi(r)^2
area of circle = pi(r)^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I have spent a lot of time on this problem but i can't seem to get it right i do not know what to do with the width or the thickness. I have tried to play it off like the width is the diameter,(which seems possible), but i just don't know what to do i have been working on this problem for 2 days now and i can't figure out what to do with it, please help i have a final on this tomorrow and i see it a lot in the old exams so i would like to know how to approach it if the problem gives thickness and width.

Think about the sheet of the foil before you roll it up. What shape is it?
 
rectangle? so find the area of it as a rectangle ok ha ha don't know why i never thought of that
 
JUSTaROCK said:
rectangle? so find the area of it as a rectangle ok ha ha don't know why i never thought of that

A rectangle yes, but you are interested in the volume since the density is mass over volume.
 

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