Question

The density of alcohol is \(0.8 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{ml}\). What is the weight of \(50 \mathrm{ml}\) of alcohol?

Short answer

The weight of \(50 ml\) of alcohol is 40 grams.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the given values

We are given: - The density of alcohol, which is \(0.8 \frac{g}{ml}\) - The volume of alcohol, which is \(50 ml\)

Apply the weight formula

We will use the formula Weight = Density × Volume to find the weight of the alcohol. In this case, the Density is \(0.8 \frac{g}{ml}\) and the Volume is \(50 ml\).

Calculate the weight

Now let's plug the values into the formula: Weight = \(0.8 \frac{g}{ml} \times 50 ml\) When we multiply, the unit "ml" cancels out, leaving us with the weight in grams: Weight = 40 g

Write the final answer

The weight of 50 ml of alcohol is 40 grams.

Key concepts

Weight Calculation

Calculating weight is a simple task when you know the density and volume of the substance you are dealing with. Weight refers to the amount of matter something contains and is different from mass which takes into account gravity as well. The basic formula for calculating weight when you have density and volume is:

• Weight = Density × Volume

This formula implies that if you know the density, which is the mass per unit volume of a substance, and the volume, which is how much space the substance occupies, you can easily determine the weight. This approach can be applied to a variety of substances, including liquids and solids, as long as you have the necessary information. In the case of our alcohol problem, by using this formula, the calculations become straightforward.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a common chemical substance that is widely used in various industries and for consumption. In science, when talking about alcohol in exercises like ours, we usually refer to the density of ethanol, the type of alcohol found in beverages. The standard density value for ethanol is generally considered to be around 0.8 grams per milliliter (g/ml).
Understanding the density of alcohol is crucial when performing calculations involving its weight, especially in chemistry. It allows you to convert the volume of alcohol that you have into a weight measurement, utilizing its density. It’s worth mentioning that different types of alcohol might have slightly different densities, so always check the given density in your exercises.

Volume

Volume is a measure of the space a substance or object occupies. It is commonly expressed in milliliters (mL), liters (L), or cubic centimeters (cc or cm³), among other units. When solving problems related to density and weight, knowing the volume is essential as it directly impacts the solution.
If you have a problem where the volume is not given, you might need to measure it or convert from other measurements like gallons or ounces, depending on the context of the problem. In this problem, we are given a volume of 50 ml, which tells us the exact amount of alcohol we are dealing with. This volume, multiplied by the density, gives us the weight which is always a satisfying endpoint on such calculations.

Density Formula

The density formula is a fundamental concept in many scientific calculations. It links mass, volume, and density together with the simple relationship:

• Density = Mass / Volume

However, when you need to find the weight, this formula can be rearranged to provide:

• Weight (or Mass) = Density × Volume

In educational scenarios, such as our alcohol weight problem, understanding this formula is crucial as it applies to various physical domains concerning liquids, solids, and gases. It allows seamless transition between weight, volume, and density, making it a versatile tool for calculations in chemistry, physics, and related disciplines. This fundamental principle is what makes these types of exercises a staple in scientific education.