What is the Diameter of a Tungsten Wire with a Weight of 1.72 mg?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the diameter of a tungsten wire given its weight and length. Participants explore the relationship between mass, volume, and density in the context of this problem, which is framed as a homework question.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the diameter of the tungsten wire is 0.13 mm based on their calculations.
  • Another participant corrects the terminology, stating that grams are mass, not weight, and suggests using the formula for volume in terms of diameter.
  • A different participant attempts the calculation again, using the density of tungsten and providing a detailed step-by-step approach to derive the radius and diameter.
  • There is a correction regarding the conversion of milligrams to kilograms, with multiple participants noting a missing zero in the conversion from 1.72 mg to kg.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the calculations and encourage showing actual calculations to identify errors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct diameter of the tungsten wire, as participants have differing calculations and interpretations of the mass conversion. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential errors in unit conversion and the need for clarity in the definitions of weight versus mass. The calculations depend on the correct application of formulas for volume and density.

Virsnieks
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Homework Statement



If we know, that 200 mm of tungsten wire weight`s 1.72 mg, then what is the diameter of this wire

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I by my self came to the conclusion, that the answer is 0.13 mm. But if I take in accordance, that my Algebra and Physics is more than poor... may someone could calculate and prof this.

Thx
 
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"If we know, that 200 mm of tungsten wire weight`s 1.72 mg, then what is the diameter of this wire"

Grams are mass, not weight.

A wire is a long, thin cylinder. Compute volume in terms of diameter, then mass. Solve for diameter.
 
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Virsnieks said:

Homework Statement



If we know, that 200 mm of tungsten wire weight`s 1.72 mg, then what is the diameter of this wire

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I by my self came to the conclusion, that the answer is 0.13 mm. But if I take in accordance, that my Algebra and Physics is more than poor... may someone could calculate and prof this.

Thx
I calculate something different. If you show us your actual calculations, we can help figure out what went wrong.
 
So I try`d to calculate it one more time this morning whis a fresh head and got some different:
My Idea was to use formula for Desity, to get the Volume and then change the formula for cilinder volumen V=p*r2*h, for getting the radius

200 mm = 0.2 m
1.72mg= 0.00172 kg
Denisty of tungsten = 19250 kg/m3

1. Step. Density = Mass/Volume, so Volume = mass/density

Volume = 0.00172/19250 = 0.000000008935 m3

2. Step. V=p*r2*h; 0.000000008935=3.14*r2*0.2

r=SQRT of 0.000000008935/3.14*0.20
r= 0,0000238559904479939 m
r=0.02385599 mm or the Diameter then would be 0.04771198 mm. This looks better...
 
Last edited:
1.72mg= 0.00172 kg

You are saying that 1.72 milligrams is 0.00172 kilogram??
 
0.000172 kg - one zero missed... everything else should be correct.
 
Virsnieks said:
0.000172 kg - one zero missed... everything else should be correct.

Try again.
 
Virsnieks said:
0.000172 kg - one zero missed... everything else should be correct.

No - mg is not g. What does the 'm' stand for?
 

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