Finding diameter of a sphere, have density and mass

In summary, given a balloon with a density of 0.310 kg/m2 and a mass of 2756 kg assumed to be a perfect sphere, the diameter of the balloon is approximately 53.20 m, with a surface area of 8890.323 m^2. The incorrect answer provided in the conversation was due to using the wrong formula and not taking into account the thickness of the balloon.
  • #1
polskon
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A balloon is made from material that has a density of 0.310 kg/m2. If the balloon has a mass of 2756 kg and if it is assumed that the balloon is a perfect sphere, what is the diameter of the balloon? Keep the proper number of significant digits.

Mass = Density x Volume

2756kg = 0.310kg/m^2 x Volume

2756kg / 0.310 kg/2 = Volume

Volume = 8890.322581 m^3

8890.322581 m^3 = 4/3(pi)r^3

3(sq)8890.322581 m^3 / (4/3(pi)) = r

r = 12.85117892 m
D = 25.70235784 m

Diameter to 3 significant digits = 25.7 m

Answer is wrong, what is the problem with my answer?
 
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  • #2
polskon said:
A balloon is made from material that has a density of 0.310 kg/m2. If the balloon has a mass of 2756 kg and if it is assumed that the balloon is a perfect sphere, what is the diameter of the balloon? Keep the proper number of significant digits.

Mass = Density x Volume

2756kg = 0.310kg/m^2 x Volume

2756kg / 0.310 kg/2 = Volume

Volume = 8890.322581 m^3

8890.322581 m^3 = 4/3(pi)r^3

3(sq)8890.322581 m^3 / (4/3(pi)) = r

r = 12.85117892 m
D = 25.70235784 m

Diameter to 3 significant digits = 25.7 m

Answer is wrong, what is the problem with my answer?

1. I assume that the text of the question is correct. Then the balloon is hollow and not solid! The densitiy refers to the envelope of the balloon.

Let A denotes the surface area of the balloon. Then

$ A \cdot 0.310\ \tfrac{kg}{m^2} = 2756\ kg $

That means $ a = 8890.323\ m^2 $

2. The surface of a sphere is calculated by:

$ A = 4 \cdot \pi \cdot r^2~\implies~r=\sqrt{\frac{A}{4 \pi}} $

3. I've got $ r \approx 26.598 \ m $

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...meter-of-a-sphere-using-a-screw-gauge.991087/
 
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  • #3
Hello, polskon!

I agree with earboth . . .


A balloon is made from material that has a density of 0.310 kg/m2.
If the balloon has a mass of 2756 kg and if it is assumed that the balloon is a perfect sphere,
what is the diameter of the balloon?
Keep the proper number of significant digits.

Note that the density is given as 0.310 kilograms per square meter.
We are dealing with the surface area of the spherical balloon, not its volume.
. . (And the thickness of the balloon is considered negligible.)

The area of a sphere is: .A = 4πr2

Mass = Density x Area

. . 2756 .= .0.31 x A . . . . A .= .2756/0.31

Then: .4πr2 .= .2756/0.31 . . . . r2 .= .2756/1.24π .= .707.4693922

. . . . . r .= .26.59829670 Therefore: .Diameter . .53.20 m
 

FAQ: Finding diameter of a sphere, have density and mass

What is the formula for finding the diameter of a sphere with given mass and density?

The formula for finding the diameter of a sphere is: d = (6 * m / π * ρ)^1/3, where d is the diameter, m is the mass, and ρ is the density.

Can the diameter of a sphere be calculated without knowing its mass and density?

No, the diameter of a sphere cannot be calculated without knowing its mass and density. These three variables are interdependent and all must be known in order to calculate the diameter.

How does the density of a sphere affect its diameter?

The density of a sphere has a direct effect on its diameter. A sphere with a higher density will have a smaller diameter, while a sphere with a lower density will have a larger diameter. This is because the mass of the sphere remains constant, but the higher density means the same mass is distributed in a smaller volume, resulting in a smaller diameter.

What units should be used for mass and density when using the formula for finding the diameter of a sphere?

The mass should be in kilograms (kg) and the density should be in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m^3) when using the formula to find the diameter of a sphere.

Can the formula for finding the diameter of a sphere be applied to all types of spheres?

Yes, the formula for finding the diameter of a sphere can be applied to all types of spheres, as long as the mass and density are known. This formula is a universal mathematical equation that applies to all spheres, regardless of their composition or size.

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