Mass of disk given mass per unit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a disk with a hole, given its inner and outer diameters and a mass per unit area. Participants explore the area calculations for both the whole disk and the hole to derive the total mass.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) proposes a method to find the mass by calculating the area of the whole disk and the hole, then subtracting the hole's mass from the whole disk's mass.
  • The OP calculates the mass of the whole disk as 5.65 kg and the mass of the hole as 0.628 kg, leading to a total mass of 5.03 kg.
  • Several participants question the OP's use of the radius in the area calculations, suggesting a potential error in using diameters instead of radii.
  • A later reply corrects the area calculations using the radius, resulting in a new total mass of 1.256 kg.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial calculations, as participants highlight potential errors in the use of diameters versus radii. Multiple views on the correct approach remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of using diameters instead of radii in their calculations, leading to different mass results. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the correct application of formulas.

aaronfue
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Homework Statement



I need to find the mass of a disk with a hole, given inner and outer diameters of 0.10m and 0.30m, respectively. The disk has a mass per unit of 20 [itex]\frac{kg}{m^2}[/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution



Since I needed mass units, I thought that I could multiply the mass per unit by the area of each disk, the disk as a whole and the missing hole. (The missing will be subtracted from the whole)

So,

Whole disk:
20 [itex]\frac{kg}{m^2}[/itex] × [itex]\pi[/itex] × 0.30 m2 = 5.65 kg

Missing hole:
20 [itex]\frac{kg}{m^2}[/itex] × [itex]\pi[/itex] × 0.10 m2 =0.628 kg

Total mass of disk:
5.65 kg - 0.628kg = 5.03 kg

Is this correct?

I will also have another question that I will need answered related to this but I will try it on my own and provide my calculations.

Thanks for the help!
 
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What is the formula for the area of a circle?
 
SteamKing said:
What is the formula for the area of a circle?

Area of Circle: [itex]\pi[/itex]r2
 
And have you used the correct r in your calculations? Hint: Read the OP again very carefully.
 
SteamKing said:
And have you used the correct r in your calculations? Hint: Read the OP again very carefully.

Oh...I used the diameter instead of the radius!

20[itex]\frac{kg}{m^2}[/itex] × 0.152 = 1.414 kg

20[itex]\frac{kg}{m^2}[/itex] × 0.052 = 0.158 kg

Total mass: 1.414 - 0.158 = 1.256 kg
 

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