What Is the Weight of a Spherical Metal Object If Made of Pure Gold?

  • Thread starter Thread starter missequivocal
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the weight of a spherical metal object, specifically if it were made of pure gold. The original poster provides the mass and radius of the object, along with the density of gold, and seeks clarification on converting mass to weight in Newtons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between volume, density, mass, and weight, with some emphasizing the need to convert mass to weight using gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

Several participants offer guidance on the necessary calculations and conversions, while others express confusion about units and the equations involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to arrive at the answer, with some participants questioning the original poster's calculations and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a homework website that may impose specific formatting or answer requirements, which could affect the submission process. Additionally, some participants note potential errors in decimal placement that could lead to incorrect answers.

missequivocal
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A perfectly spherical piece of metal is found at the bottom of a wishing well. The mass of the object is 0.65 kg and the radius is .25 m. What would be it's weight if it had the same volume and were made of pure gold? The density of pure gold is 19,3000 kg/m^3. Answer in units of N.

Homework Equations



volume = (4 Pi radius^3) / 3

The Attempt at a Solution



volume = (4 pi .25^3)/3
volume = 0.06544984694978735
volume * 19,300 = 12631.82046

My main issue is the units of N. Could someone help me with what exctly this is and how to convert to it?

I'm just looking for tips, and then I can attempt the problem and post again if I have more issues!
Thank you!
Sorry. I'm new to physics and this just confuses me.
Help would be great, thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
note that you have been given radius of the sphere.. hence you know the volume and you know density of gold (given). can then find mass and if you know the acceleration due to gravity... then you can work everything out...
 
almost there. density is how much an arbitrary measure weighs, it could be 20 # per teaspoon, You have 1/2 teaspoon it weighs 10 #. Here you have about .06 meter^3. Youre given what it "weighs" per cubic meter. Then since this is mass not weight, multiply by 9.8 as suggested above to convert "mass" to "weight" as masse is an inherent property, while weight is particular to situations when doing things with it up or down against gravity.
 
Last edited:
Yeah but what is the equation for Newtons? I need my ending unit to be Newtons.
I can work it out it's just I need the equation to finish it.
:P
 
Last edited:
I tried to submit the answer
12631.82046 * 9.8 which equals = 123791.8405

Isn't that in units of N?

F = mass * acceleration is what I used.

But it rejected the answer. (We use a HW website)
So where did I go wrong?
 
Right so compute the mass by multiplying volume by density. Then multiply by 9.8 to convert mass to Newtons.
 
Argh! Nevermind.
I had acidentally slipped the decimal place into the wrong spot.
Thanks everyone for you help! Finally got it right.
 
Missed adecimal point I think, try again.
 
Mass= Volume*Density
Weight(kg)=Mass*9.81
(We use the kg system here .. can't say about lbs!)

but I wonder how is mass given in Kg?? mass must be in Newtons.. aint'it? or am drunk at the moment?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Could be but if you're lurching in any direction, its in Newtons.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K