Math Problem Statement

The density of an object tells you how much mass the object has per unit of volume. An object's average density D is given by D = m/V where m and V are the mass and volume of the object, respectively. A. Express V in terms of the other variables in the formula. B. Osmium is the densest metal known. Use the information shown to find the volume of a sample of osmium that has a mass of 200 grams. C. Suppose the sample of osmium in Part B is shaped like a cube. What is the length of each edge of the cube?

Solution

This problem consists of three parts based on the concept of density. Let's work through each part of the question:


A. Express VV in terms of the other variables in the formula.

The formula for density is: D=mVD = \frac{m}{V} Where:

  • DD = density,
  • mm = mass, and
  • VV = volume.

To express VV in terms of mm and DD, solve the equation for VV: V=mDV = \frac{m}{D}


B. Osmium is the densest metal known. Use the information shown to find the volume of a sample of osmium that has a mass of 200 grams.

The density of osmium is approximately D=22.59g/cm3D = 22.59 \, \text{g/cm}^3 (this value is well-known for osmium). Using the formula for volume: V=mDV = \frac{m}{D} Substitute m=200gm = 200 \, \text{g} and D=22.59g/cm3D = 22.59 \, \text{g/cm}^3: V=20022.598.86cm3V = \frac{200}{22.59} \approx 8.86 \, \text{cm}^3 So, the volume of the osmium sample is approximately 8.86cm38.86 \, \text{cm}^3.


C. Suppose the sample of osmium in Part B is shaped like a cube. What is the length of each edge of the cube?

For a cube, the volume VV is related to the edge length ss by the formula: V=s3V = s^3 We know V8.86cm3V \approx 8.86 \, \text{cm}^3, so solve for ss: s=8.8632.06cms = \sqrt[3]{8.86} \approx 2.06 \, \text{cm}

Therefore, the length of each edge of the cube is approximately 2.06cm2.06 \, \text{cm}.


Would you like further details or have any other questions?
Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the relationship between mass, volume, and density?
  2. How would the volume change if the mass of osmium was doubled?
  3. How does the shape of an object (e.g., cube, sphere) affect how we calculate its volume from density?
  4. Can you find the surface area of the cube-shaped osmium sample?
  5. What would happen to the density of an object if its volume is halved, but its mass remains constant?

Tip: Always check the units of density and ensure the mass and volume are in compatible units when performing these calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Density
Algebra
Geometry

Formulas

Density formula: D = m / V
Volume of a cube: V = s^3

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10