U.S. 1-cent coin (a penny) has a diameter of 19 mm and athickness of 1.5 mm. Assume the coin is made of pure copper,whose density and approximate market price are 8.9 g/cm3and $2.40 per pound, respectively. Calculate the value ofthe copper in the coin, assuming its thickness is uniform.

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Convert the dimensions of the penny from millimeters to centimeters: diameter = 1.9 cm and thickness = 0.15 cm.

Calculate the volume of the penny using the formula for the volume of a cylinder: $ V = \pi r^2 h $, where $ r $ is the radius and $ h $ is the height (thickness).

Determine the mass of the penny by multiplying the volume by the density of copper: $ \text{mass} = \text{volume} \times 8.9 \text{ g/cm}^3 $.

Convert the mass from grams to pounds, knowing that 1 pound is approximately 453.592 grams.

Calculate the value of the copper in the penny by multiplying the mass in pounds by the market price of copper, which is $2.40 per pound.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume and is a crucial property of materials. In this context, the density of copper (8.9 g/cm³) allows us to calculate the mass of the penny once its volume is determined. Understanding how to convert between units of measurement, such as from mm³ to cm³, is essential for accurate calculations.

Volume of a Cylinder

The penny can be approximated as a cylinder, and its volume can be calculated using the formula V = πr²h, where r is the radius and h is the height (or thickness). This geometric understanding is vital for determining how much copper is present in the coin, which directly influences its mass and value.

Conversion of Units

In this problem, converting units is necessary to find the value of copper in the penny. The mass of copper needs to be converted from grams to pounds to match the market price given in dollars per pound. Mastery of unit conversion ensures that calculations are consistent and accurate, allowing for the correct determination of the coin's value.

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Conversion Factors

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Textbook Question

In 2009, a team from Northwestern University and Western Washington University reported the preparation of a new 'spongy' material composed of nickel, molybdenum, and sulfur that excels at removing mercury from water. The density of this new material is 0.20 g/cm³, and its surface area is 1242 m² per gram of material. (b) Calculate the surface area for a 10.0-mg sample of this material.

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Textbook Question

(c) Using the volume of a silver atom and the formula for the volume of a sphere, calculate the radius in angstroms of a silver atom.