MHB Finding diameter of a sphere, have density and mass

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The diameter of a balloon made from material with a density of 0.310 kg/m² and a mass of 2756 kg is calculated based on its surface area, not volume. The correct approach involves using the formula for surface area (A = 4πr²) and the relationship between mass, density, and area. The calculations reveal that the radius is approximately 26.598 m, leading to a diameter of approximately 53.20 m, significantly different from the initial incorrect calculation of 25.7 m.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of density, mass, and volume relationships
  • Knowledge of surface area calculations for spheres
  • Familiarity with significant figures in measurements
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between mass, density, and surface area in spherical objects
  • Learn about significant figures and their importance in scientific calculations
  • Explore the derivation of the surface area formula for spheres
  • Practice solving problems involving density and geometry
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, mathematicians, and anyone involved in material science or geometric calculations will benefit from this discussion.

polskon
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A balloon is made from material that has a density of 0.310 kg/m2. If the balloon has a mass of 2756 kg and if it is assumed that the balloon is a perfect sphere, what is the diameter of the balloon? Keep the proper number of significant digits.

Mass = Density x Volume

2756kg = 0.310kg/m^2 x Volume

2756kg / 0.310 kg/2 = Volume

Volume = 8890.322581 m^3

8890.322581 m^3 = 4/3(pi)r^3

3(sq)8890.322581 m^3 / (4/3(pi)) = r

r = 12.85117892 m
D = 25.70235784 m

Diameter to 3 significant digits = 25.7 m

Answer is wrong, what is the problem with my answer?
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
polskon said:
A balloon is made from material that has a density of 0.310 kg/m2. If the balloon has a mass of 2756 kg and if it is assumed that the balloon is a perfect sphere, what is the diameter of the balloon? Keep the proper number of significant digits.

Mass = Density x Volume

2756kg = 0.310kg/m^2 x Volume

2756kg / 0.310 kg/2 = Volume

Volume = 8890.322581 m^3

8890.322581 m^3 = 4/3(pi)r^3

3(sq)8890.322581 m^3 / (4/3(pi)) = r

r = 12.85117892 m
D = 25.70235784 m

Diameter to 3 significant digits = 25.7 m

Answer is wrong, what is the problem with my answer?

1. I assume that the text of the question is correct. Then the balloon is hollow and not solid! The densitiy refers to the envelope of the balloon.

Let A denotes the surface area of the balloon. Then

$ A \cdot 0.310\ \tfrac{kg}{m^2} = 2756\ kg $

That means $ a = 8890.323\ m^2 $

2. The surface of a sphere is calculated by:

$ A = 4 \cdot \pi \cdot r^2~\implies~r=\sqrt{\frac{A}{4 \pi}} $

3. I've got $ r \approx 26.598 \ m $

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...meter-of-a-sphere-using-a-screw-gauge.991087/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hello, polskon!

I agree with earboth . . .

A balloon is made from material that has a density of 0.310 kg/m2.
If the balloon has a mass of 2756 kg and if it is assumed that the balloon is a perfect sphere,
what is the diameter of the balloon?
Keep the proper number of significant digits.
Note that the density is given as 0.310 kilograms per square meter.
We are dealing with the surface area of the spherical balloon, not its volume.
. . (And the thickness of the balloon is considered negligible.)

The area of a sphere is: .A = 4πr2

Mass = Density x Area

. . 2756 .= .0.31 x A . . → . . A .= .2756/0.31

Then: .4πr2 .= .2756/0.31 . . → . . r2 .= .2756/1.24π .= .707.4693922

. . . . . r .= .26.59829670 Therefore: .Diameter .≈ .53.20 m
 

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
897
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K