Radius of 2nd Sphere: Find Mass 5x Greater than 1st

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two spheres made from a uniform rock, where one sphere has a radius of 4.50 cm and the other sphere has a mass that is 5 times greater. The task is to find the radius of the second sphere.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between mass and volume, noting that mass is proportional to volume. There is an exploration of how the ratio of the masses relates to the radii of the spheres, with attempts to derive the radius of the second sphere based on the given mass ratio.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the assumptions about the relationship between mass and radius. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider the volume ratio and how it relates to the radii, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is a misunderstanding regarding the proportionality of mass to radius, as participants initially consider a direct proportionality rather than the cubic relationship inherent in volume calculations.

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Homework Statement


Two spheres are cut from a certain uniform rock. One has a radius 4.50cm. The mass of the
other is 5 times greater. Find its radius


Homework Equations


r1 = 4.50cm
r2 = ? when mass is 5x greater


The Attempt at a Solution


Looking at this problem I first thought of somehow integrating the volume of a sphere
which is 4/3[tex]\pi[/tex]r3. But then i though i was just thinking too hard. it made more sense for the radius to be 5x the radius as i figure the mass was proportional to the radius.

so: r2 = 5(4.50cm) = 22.5cm

however i got this marked wrong as the answer was 7.69 cm. what wasn't I looking at clearly?
 
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afg_91320 said:

Homework Statement


Two spheres are cut from a certain uniform rock. One has a radius 4.50cm. The mass of the
other is 5 times greater. Find its radius


Homework Equations


r1 = 4.50cm
r2 = ? when mass is 5x greater


The Attempt at a Solution


Looking at this problem I first thought of somehow integrating the volume of a sphere
which is 4/3[tex]\pi[/tex]r3. But then i though i was just thinking too hard. it made more sense for the radius to be 5x the radius as i figure the mass was proportional to the radius.

so: r2 = 5(4.50cm) = 22.5cm

however i got this marked wrong as the answer was 7.69 cm. what wasn't I looking at clearly?

You started on the right track. Mass is proportional to volume, so the ratio 5 applies to the two radii how?
 
berkeman said:
You started on the right track. Mass is proportional to volume, so the ratio 5 applies to the two radii how?

well that would be proportional to the mass right? so if r2 is 5x in mass then r1 is 1/5(mass)? set up my equation to isolate r to get the radius...
 
afg_91320 said:
well that would be proportional to the mass right? so if r2 is 5x in mass then r1 is 1/5(mass)? set up my equation to isolate r to get the radius...

Mass is proportional to volume. Write the fraction V1/V2 out fully, and that will show you a ratio involving some form of the radii. That's where the 5x comes into play...
 

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