[Physical Science] Finding Density, Mass, or Volume

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the mass of shredded plastic from 2-liter soda bottles placed in 55-liter drums. The volume of the plastic shreds is established as 55,000 cm³, derived from the conversion of liters to cubic centimeters. The density of the plastic is identified as 0.96 g/cm³, which is crucial for determining the mass. The mass can be calculated using the formula: mass = density × volume, leading to a mass of 52,800 grams for the plastic shreds in one drum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of volume conversion (liters to cubic centimeters)
  • Knowledge of density and its calculation
  • Familiarity with the formula for mass (mass = density × volume)
  • Basic understanding of different types of plastics and their densities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the densities of various types of plastics
  • Learn about volume measurement conversions in physical science
  • Explore practical applications of density calculations in recycling
  • Study the impact of plastic density on recycling processes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying physical science, educators teaching density and mass calculations, and professionals in the recycling industry looking to understand material properties.

Jessi
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Could someone work this problem for me and explain what they did? It's the only one on the worksheet I don't understand...

"b. A truckload of 2-liter soda bottles was finely shredded at a recycling center. The plastic shreds were placed into 55-liter drums. What is the mass of the plastic shreds inside one of the drums?"

I know that the first number in the problem is going to be 55,000 cm^3, because 55 liters = 55,000 milliliters, which is the equivalent of cm^3. I just don't know what the second number would be.

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's the density of plastic...?55liters=55000cm^{3},not milliliters...

Daniel.
 
In order to do that, you have to know the density of the plastic. Isn't that given in the problem? Different kinds of plastics have different densities.
 
dextercioby said:
What's the density of plastic...?55liters=55000cm^{3},not milliliters...

Daniel.

That's basically what I said in my post, yes... ;) I didn't plan on writing out the problem with milliliters. Thank you for pointing that out in case I didn't realize it, though! Usually I'm the first to make simple mistakes like that.

But yes, I'm sorry! I believe it's referring to the answer to A, which is 0.96 g/cm^3.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
16K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K