- #1
noobphysicist
- 26
- 0
Well, what do you think? And why do you think what you think?
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SUMMARY
A sheet of paper is approximately 106 atoms thick, based on its thickness of a few tenths of a millimeter and the size of atoms, such as carbon measuring 1.54 x 10^-10 m. The discussion emphasizes the variability in paper types, such as 20lb and 24lb paper, which affects thickness. Participants highlight the importance of specificity in scientific inquiries, noting that vague questions lead to imprecise answers. The conversation underscores the value of order of magnitude estimates in scientific reasoning.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of atomic dimensions, specifically angstroms and nanometers.
- Familiarity with the composition of paper, particularly cellulose and its properties.
- Basic knowledge of weight classifications for paper, such as 20lb and 24lb paper.
- Concept of order of magnitude calculations in scientific estimations.
- Research atomic structure and dimensions, focusing on carbon and other common elements.
- Explore the properties of cellulose and its role in paper manufacturing.
- Learn about different paper weights and their implications for thickness and usage.
- Study order of magnitude estimation techniques in scientific contexts.
Students, educators, and professionals in materials science, physics, and engineering who seek to understand the relationship between material properties and atomic structure.
- #2
Nugatory
Mentor
- 15,498
- 10,690
noobphysicist said:
Approximately the same number as there are hits to the Google query "How many atoms in a sheet of paper thickness".
Yes, really. An atom is a few angstroms across, a sheet paper is maybe a few tenths of a millimeter thick, that works out to something on the order of 106... and there are 2.3 million Google hits.
- #3
jim mcnamara
Mentor
- 4,789
- 3,852
This is not a very good question. Commercial paper is made of cellulose (polymerized simple sugars) -- which is in the form of fibers. Usually from pine. These fibers have lots of space between them - from the point of view of an atom.
Note: different atoms have different diameters: ex: Carbon 1.54 x 10^-10 m
And paper comes in different weights (thicknesses). In the US there is 20lb paper, 24lb paper etc.
Care to refine your question? We have too many variables here to give a decent answer.
Also please note: Science deals with provable facts, not what 'you think'. The 'what I think' mentality about Science is the reason the internet is full of non-science, or politically motivated disinformation. We try to limit that here.
Note: different atoms have different diameters: ex: Carbon 1.54 x 10^-10 m
And paper comes in different weights (thicknesses). In the US there is 20lb paper, 24lb paper etc.
Care to refine your question? We have too many variables here to give a decent answer.
Also please note: Science deals with provable facts, not what 'you think'. The 'what I think' mentality about Science is the reason the internet is full of non-science, or politically motivated disinformation. We try to limit that here.
- #4
vhbelvadi
- 67
- 1
jim mcnamara said:
My first thoughts too: 'paper' is just too vague. Perhaps with more specifics, the maths would be as simple as @Nugatory shows.
That said, in a watered-down point of view, I fail to see why the answer should be any more than an order or two of magnitude different from @Nugatory's estimate of one million.
- #5
nasu
Homework Helper
- 4,472
- 920
The question is "how many atoms thick is a sheet of paper".
Not how many atoms are actually aligned across the thickness of the paper.
So it seems that Nugatory's estimate makes perfect sense for the question asked.
Same as "how many fingers thick is a that brick". There are no fingers in the brick, for sure. And there are different types of fingers. But we can make an estimate.
Science is also about good estimates and order of magnitude calculations.
Not how many atoms are actually aligned across the thickness of the paper.
So it seems that Nugatory's estimate makes perfect sense for the question asked.
Same as "how many fingers thick is a that brick". There are no fingers in the brick, for sure. And there are different types of fingers. But we can make an estimate.
Science is also about good estimates and order of magnitude calculations.
- #6
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 30,328
- 7,451
How long is a piece of string?
- #7
nasu
Homework Helper
- 4,472
- 920
About two halves of the same piece of string.
- #8
davenn
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 9,715
- 11,711
sophiecentaur said:
always 2 inches shorter than what you need for your task
Dave
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