I solving this problem, I have started but I don't know if I got it right

  • Thread starter marilu28
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation involves determining the cost to supply enough vanillin to detect it in an aircraft hanger with a volume of 5.0 x 107ft3. By doing unit conversions and calculations, it was determined that the cost would be approximately $6.36 x 10^-2 or $0.064. This highlights the sensitivity of the human sense of smell.
  • #1
marilu28
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0
Vanillin (used to flavor foods) can be detected at 2.0 x 10-11 g/L of air. If the current price of 50g of vanillin is $112, determine the cost to supply enough Vanillin so that you would be able to detect it in an aircraft hanger with a volume of 5.0 x 107ft3

What I did was 5.0x107ft3 x28.32L= 1.42x109L, then I did

2.0x10^-11*g/L 1.42 x10^9L= 2.84x10^-2 g, then


2.84x10^-2 g* $112/50g= $6.36 x10^-2 or $.064?? but it does not seem right to me. Thanks for your help
 
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  • #2


Yup that looks right.
 
  • #3


Nice problem. I think the point of this, in addition to making you work out how to do unit conversions and so on, is to demonstrate how incredibly sensitive your sense of smell can be.
 

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