Math Problem Statement

Gold has a density of 19.3 g/cm^3. What is the mass, in kg of a cube of gold measuring 2.0 inches on each side? Use unit analysis, NOT the density formula.

Solution

To solve this using unit analysis, we'll convert all units consistently and proceed step-by-step:

Given:

  • Density of gold: 19.3g/cm319.3 \, \text{g/cm}^3
  • Side length of the cube: 2.0inches2.0 \, \text{inches}
  • Goal: Find the mass in kilograms (kg)

Steps:

  1. Convert the side length from inches to centimeters (cm):

    • 1inch=2.54cm1 \, \text{inch} = 2.54 \, \text{cm}
    • 2.0inches×2.54cm/inch=5.08cm2.0 \, \text{inches} \times 2.54 \, \text{cm/inch} = 5.08 \, \text{cm}
  2. Calculate the volume of the cube:

    • The volume VV of a cube is given by side3\text{side}^3.
    • V=(5.08cm)3=131.79cm3V = (5.08 \, \text{cm})^3 = 131.79 \, \text{cm}^3
  3. Determine the mass in grams (g):

    • The density of gold is 19.3g/cm319.3 \, \text{g/cm}^3, so the mass is: Mass=density×volume\text{Mass} = \text{density} \times \text{volume} Mass=19.3g/cm3×131.79cm3=2543.55g\text{Mass} = 19.3 \, \text{g/cm}^3 \times 131.79 \, \text{cm}^3 = 2543.55 \, \text{g}
  4. Convert grams to kilograms:

    • 1kg=1000g1 \, \text{kg} = 1000 \, \text{g}, so: Mass in kg=2543.55g1000=2.54355kg\text{Mass in kg} = \frac{2543.55 \, \text{g}}{1000} = 2.54355 \, \text{kg}

Thus, the mass of the cube of gold is approximately 2.54 kg.

Would you like any further details or explanations?


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How does the mass change if the side length of the cube doubles?
  2. What would the mass be if the density were 10 g/cm³ instead?
  3. How would you calculate the mass if the shape was a sphere instead of a cube?
  4. Can you use this method to find the mass of other metals with known densities?
  5. What is the weight of the cube in Newtons if measured on Earth?

Tip: Always ensure units are consistent when applying unit analysis, as incorrect conversions can lead to significant errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Unit Conversion
Volume Calculation
Density

Formulas

Volume of a cube = side^3
Unit Conversion: 1 inch = 2.54 cm

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12