How Big is the Oil Slick Created by Spilled Oil on a Lake?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the diameter of an oil slick formed by one liter of spilled oil on a lake, assuming the oil spreads uniformly to a thickness of three molecules. Using the formula for the volume of a cylinder, participants consider the volume of the oil and the dimensions of the oil molecules, which are 2 x 10^-10 meters in diameter. The calculation involves converting units from cubic centimeters to cubic meters to ensure consistency. The approach emphasizes the importance of unit conversion in solving the problem accurately. Ultimately, the goal is to estimate the diameter of the oil slick based on these parameters.
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Homework Statement



One liter (1000 cm3) of oil is spilled onto a smooth lake. If the oil spreads out uniformly until it makes an oil slick just three molecules thick, with adjacent molecules just touching, estimate the diameter of the oil slick. Assume the oil molecules have a diameter of 2 ✕ 10^-10m.

Homework Equations


V= (h)(pi)(r^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


[sqrt 10m^3/(3)pi(2x10^-10)] *2
 
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You have a cube of oil 1000 cm^3 and once its dispersed you'll have a cylinder of oil whose height is 3 molecules thick.

Pay attention to units conversion as the cube's volume is in cm^3 whereas the diameter of the oil molecule is in meters.
 
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