What is the vol in ml of 3lbs of mineral oil with a specific gravity of 0.85
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To find the volume in milliliters (mL) of 3 pounds of mineral oil with a specific gravity of 0.85, we can use the relationship between mass, volume, and specific gravity.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Understanding Specific Gravity:
Specific gravity (SG) is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water. The density of water is approximately 1 g/mL at room temperature. Therefore, if the specific gravity of mineral oil is 0.85, its density can be calculated as follows: [
\text{Density of mineral oil} = \text{SG} \times \text{Density of water} = 0.85 \, \text{g/mL} \times 1 \, \text{g/mL} = 0.85 \, \text{g/mL}
] - Converting Pounds to Grams:
Since 1 pound is approximately equal to 453.592 grams, we can convert 3 pounds to grams: [
3 \, \text{lbs} = 3 \times 453.592 \, \text{g} = 1360.78 \, \text{g}
] - Calculating Volume:
We can now use the density to calculate the volume in mL. The formula for volume (V) is: [
V = \frac{m}{\text{density}}
] Where:
- ( m ) is the mass in grams
- density is in g/mL Plugging in the values: [
V = \frac{1360.78 \, \text{g}}{0.85 \, \text{g/mL}} \approx 1601.3 \, \text{mL}
]
Conclusion
The volume of 3 pounds of mineral oil with a specific gravity of 0.85 is approximately 1601.3 mL. This calculation illustrates how specific gravity provides a useful method for determining volume when the mass and specific gravity of a substance are known. It is essential in various applications, including pharmaceuticals, where precise measurements of liquids are crucial for formulation and dosing.