How to Calculate the Total Mass of Sodium Chloride in Seawater?

[elw555]

Homework Statement

The total volume of seawater is 1.5 10^21 L. Assume that seawater contains 3.1 percent sodium chloride by mass and that its density is 1.03 g/mL. Calculate the total mass of sodium chloride in kilograms and in tons. (1 ton = 2000 lb; 1 lb = 453.6 g)

Homework Equations

D=m/v
m=d x v

The Attempt at a Solution

1.5 x 10^21 x .031= 61324931.65 g/L

61324931.65x .001=61324.93165kg ?

 

[symbolipoint]

You want mass of seawater first. Use the density of seawater and the volume of seawater to obtain the mass of seawater.

The first step which YOU showed gives the wrong units. Look at the units involved there: Liters x mass/mass

 

[chemtopper]

Hi
Your method is right .Only one conversion is wrong 1Kg = 1000g
1L = 1000ml
density =1.03 g/mL = 1.03 Kg /L
you can use it straight here