What Is the Thickness of a One-Molecule-Thick Oil Layer on Water?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the thickness of a one-molecule-thick oil layer formed by a spherical drop of oil with a diameter of 1 mm, which spreads to cover a circular area with a diameter of 60 cm. The volume of the oil remains constant during this process. The key to solving the problem lies in understanding the geometry of the oil drop and the area it covers, allowing for the determination of the thickness based on the volume of oil and the area of the circular patch.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric volume calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of molecular thickness
  • Basic knowledge of oil properties and behavior on water
  • Ability to apply the principle of conservation of volume
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the volume of a sphere using the formula V = (4/3)πr³
  • Learn about the relationship between volume, area, and thickness in fluid mechanics
  • Research molecular dimensions of various oils to understand thickness implications
  • Explore the effects of surface tension on oil spreading on water
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or chemistry, educators teaching fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the properties of liquids and their interactions with surfaces.

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Homework Statement


A spherical drop of oil, 1 mm in diameter, falls on a water surface. The oil spreads out to cover a circular patch of diameter 60 cm. The oil spreads out until it forms a uniform layer on top of the water, only one molecule thick. What is the thickness of this layer?


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The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how they want me to answer this. It states in the question that the layer is 1 molecule thick but I have no idea what type of oil it is so I don't know what thick a molecule of this oil is.
 
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That's what you are trying to find out!
it's a simple geometry question, the volume of oil doesn't change.
 

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