Micrometer reading/area of wire calculation

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The discussion centers on calculating the cross-sectional area of a wire with a measured diameter of 0.30 mm. The correct formula for the area is indeed Πr², where r is half the diameter. The calculated area of 7.0 x 10⁻⁸ m² is questioned, with suggestions to express the area in square millimeters instead. Clarifications are made regarding the units, confirming that the diameter is in millimeters and not centimeters. Overall, the calculation method is validated, but the unit presentation is adjusted for clarity.
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I measured the diameter of a wire and got 0.30. This is in millimeters right?

How would you calculate the cross sectional area? Is it just Πr²?

so Π x (0.15x10⁻³ x 0.15x10⁻³)
= 7.0 x 10⁻⁸m²

Is this right?
 
Last edited:
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Well, it could be 0.30 mm, but without further information it could just as easily be for instance 0.30 cm.

Assuming that the wire has a circular cross-section, then yes, your approach is right.
 
Deliria said:
I measured the diameter of a wire and got 0.30. This is in millimeters right?

How would you calculate the cross sectional area? Is it just Πr²?

so Π x (0.15x10⁻³ x 0.15x10⁻³)
What is the exponent on 10 below? It looks like an accent mark, not a number.
Also, since your units are mm for the wire diameter, I think, why not leave the cross-section area in sq. mm.?
Deliria said:
= 7.0 x 10⁻⁸m²

Is this right?
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the help guys! :)

I'm pretty sure the diameter was in millimeters.

Mark44 said:
What is the exponent on 10 below? It looks like an accent mark, not a number.
Also, since your units are cm for the wire diameter, I think, why not leave the cross-section area in sq. cm.?

In my final answer? 8

I couldn't fit it all in the answer box, lol. Standard form was the only way :(
 
Yeah, I meant mm, not cm. I edited these units in my previous post.
 
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