A backpacker carries 3.25 L of white gas as fuel for her stove. How many pounds does the fuel add to her load? Assume the density of the gas is 0.97 g/cm^3.
mass = volume x density
mass = 3250 cc x 0.97 g/cc = ??
Wouldn't it be 3.25 L x 0.97g/cc?
No, but thanks for asking. It shows you are thinking about it.
3.25 is L. density is given in g/mL (1 cc = 1 mL) so the units must match. 3.25 L = 3,250 mL and 3,250 mL x 0.97 g/mL = ??grams.
3152.5 grams?
To find out how many pounds the fuel adds to her load, we need to convert the volume of fuel from liters to grams and then from grams to pounds. Here's how you can calculate it:
1. Convert liters to cubic centimeters (cm^3): Since 1 L is equal to 1000 cm^3, multiply the volume given (3.25 L) by 1000 to get the volume in cubic centimeters.
3.25 L * 1000 cm^3/L = 3250 cm^3
2. Convert cubic centimeters to grams: We are given the density of the gas as 0.97 g/cm^3. Multiply the volume in cubic centimeters by the density to find the mass in grams.
3250 cm^3 * 0.97 g/cm^3 = 3152.5 g
3. Convert grams to pounds: Since 1 pound is equal to 453.592 grams, divide the mass in grams by 453.592 to get the mass in pounds.
3152.5 g / 453.592 g/lb ≈ 6.9484 lb
Therefore, the fuel adds approximately 6.9484 pounds to her load.