What is the weight of 5 gallons of water .
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The weight of 5 gallons of water is 41.7 pounds.
Explanation:
To determine the weight of water, we start with the standard weight of one gallon of water. At room temperature, one gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds. This value is based on water at about 62 degrees Fahrenheit, which is close to average room temperature.
To find the total weight of 5 gallons of water, we multiply the weight of one gallon by 5:
8.34 pounds × 5 = 41.7 pounds
This gives us the total weight of 5 gallons of water as 41.7 pounds.
Water is often used as a reference in scientific and engineering contexts because its properties are consistent and predictable. The density of water is about 1 gram per cubic centimeter, which translates to 8.34 pounds per gallon in U.S. customary units. Note that this value can vary slightly depending on the temperature and pressure, but for most everyday purposes, this approximation is sufficiently accurate.
Understanding the weight of water is important in a variety of applications. For example, engineers use this knowledge when designing water tanks, plumbing systems, or calculating load limits for structures. In everyday life, this information helps when transporting or lifting water containers. Knowing that 5 gallons of water weigh nearly 42 pounds helps one assess whether they can carry that amount safely.
It is also important in cooking, agriculture, and even firefighting where water usage and weight considerations play a critical role. Since water is heavy, even a small increase in volume leads to a noticeable increase in weight. This is why containers designed to hold water must be strong enough to support it.
