What is the SI Unit of Volume and Why is it Important?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the SI unit of volume, specifically the cubic meter (m3), and its importance in the context of unit systems. Participants explore the relationship between volume and its measurement, as well as the implications of using different units like liters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the SI unit of volume is the cubic meter (m3), emphasizing that it is derived from the dimensions of length, breadth, and height.
  • Another participant clarifies that 1000 m3 is not equivalent to 1000 x 1000 x 1000 m, explaining that 1000 m3 represents a cube with a side length of 10 m.
  • There is a mention of potential confusion regarding units in physics, specifically referencing Newton-meters and their relation to work and energy.
  • A later reply corrects a previous statement about Newton-meters, indicating that it refers to work rather than energy.
  • Another participant humorously points out a potential miscommunication regarding the term "Newton-meter," suggesting it should be "Newton-metre."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the relationship between different volume units and their mathematical implications. There is no consensus on the clarity of the original question or the implications of the units discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about mathematical concepts related to volume, indicating a need for further clarification on unit conversions and dimensional analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals studying chemistry, physics, or mathematics who are interested in understanding unit systems and dimensional analysis may find this discussion relevant.

WannabChemist
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"one of the aims of the SI system of units is to remove unnecessary units. Since volume is length x breadth x height, i.e length3(small 3, don't know how to type it though), there is no need for the litre and the SI unit of volume is the metre cubed (m3) which equal 1000 L"

I'm sure I'm missing something here...

What if I had the following specifications: length = 2km, Breadth =1m, Height = 2m.

This would not bring about the same result as 2000 x 2000 x 2000 which is presumably what length3 is.

I wish I had paid much more attention in math class... any help with this.

This is not homework, I'm currently studying Chemistry in my own time. I'm not enrolled anywhere so have no-one to ask for help. I jumped ahead a few chapters when I first started, but now I finding I need to know the math...
 
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I'm not entirely sure what you're asking here, but I think you're essentially asking this:

Is 1000 m^3 the same as 1000x1000x1000 m?

The answer to that is, no it's not. 1000 m^3 is a thousand cubic meters, which if you'd put into a cube would have a side of 10m (the cubic root of 1000 is 10: 10x10x10=1000)

1000m x 1000m x 1000m is a thousand meters, cubed, which is a billion cubic-meters.
 
Wait until you study energy (Newton-meters) and torque (meter-Newtons).
 
Bob S said:
Wait until you study energy (Newton-meters) and torque (meter-Newtons).

I don't mean to nit-pick but Newton-meters is work, not energy.
 
i don't mean to nit pick but I would say Newton metRE.. :smile:
 

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