Calculating Density of Wood: 5cm x 3cm x 10cm @ 90g

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the density of a block of wood with specific dimensions and mass. The original poster presents a density calculation using the formula D=m/V and seeks clarification on converting units from g/cm³ to kg/m³.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of density from g/cm³ to kg/m³, with the original poster attempting to apply the conversion factors correctly. There is a focus on identifying where errors may have occurred in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the original poster's calculations, particularly regarding the number of zeros in the conversion factor. There is an acknowledgment of conflicting information from different sources, which has led to confusion about the conversion process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the conversion of volume units and the implications of different sources providing varying information on the topic. The original poster expresses frustration over repeated mistakes in their calculations.

brake4country
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Homework Statement


A block of wood measuring 5 cm x 3 cm x 10 cm has a mass of 90 grams. What is the density of the wood in kg/m^3?

Homework Equations


D=m/V

The Attempt at a Solution


I know this seems trivial but I need to get the math down to a T. I know that it s 06.g/cm^3 but how is this converted to kg/m^3? For example, we know that 1 m^3 = 10^6 cm^3. My calculation are as follows:

(0.6 g/cm^3)(1 kg/1000g)(100000 cm^3/1 m^3). I keep getting 60 kg/m^3 but the correct answer is 6.0 x 10^2 kg/m^3. Seriously, what am I continually doing wrong? Thanks for the help!
 
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brake4country said:

Homework Statement


A block of wood measuring 5 cm x 3 cm x 10 cm has a mass of 90 grams. What is the density of the wood in kg/m^3?

Homework Equations


D=m/V

The Attempt at a Solution


I know this seems trivial but I need to get the math down to a T. I know that it s 06.g/cm^3 but how is this converted to kg/m^3? For example, we know that 1 m^3 = 10^6 cm^3. My calculation are as follows:

(0.6 g/cm^3)(1 kg/1000g)(100000 cm^3/1 m^3). I keep getting 60 kg/m^3 but the correct answer is 6.0 x 10^2 kg/m^3. Seriously, what am I continually doing wrong? Thanks for the help!
count the zeros in 100000 cm3/1 m3 . It's wrong.
 
I am getting conflicting information from my book and from online sources! My book states that 10^6 cm^3 = 1 m^3. ??
 
brake4country said:
I am getting conflicting information from my book and from online sources! My book states that 10^6 cm^3 = 1 m^3. ??
Which are how many zeros?
 
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Wow. Can't believe I missed that! Thanks for catching my careless error!
 
Don't bother memorizing that conversion. Just write it like this: 1 = (100cm/m)^3
 
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