Question 4 of 42intermediate🔧 ApplyNumerical3 marks

Can you calculate how many atoms would be needed to make a sheet of paper that is 0.1 mm thick, like the one in your textbook?

Correct Answer

To calculate the number of atoms needed to make a 0.1 mm thick sheet of paper, we divide the thickness of the sheet by the diameter of a single atom.

Given values: The thickness of the paper sheet is 0.1 mm, which equals 10−410^{-4} m. The diameter of one atom is approximately 10−1010^{-10} m.

Calculation: Number of atoms = (Thickness of the sheet) ÷ (Diameter of one atom) Number of atoms = (10−410^{-4} m) ÷ (10−1010^{-10} m) = 10610^6

Therefore, about one million atoms (10610^6) need to be stacked together to make a sheet of paper that is 0.1 mm thick.

Exercise: Ready to Go Beyond | Q: 1 | (Page 5)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook context provides the direct method and values for this calculation. By converting the thickness of the paper into meters and dividing it by the diameter of a single atom given in meters, we can find how many atoms stack up to form that thickness. The result, 10610^{6}, represents one million atoms.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the given values. Thickness of the paper sheet = 0.1 mm = 10−410^{-4} m. Diameter of one atom = 10−1010^{-10} m.

  2. Step 2: Set up the calculation. Number of atoms = (Thickness of the sheet) ÷ (Diameter of one atom).

  3. Step 3: Substitute the values. Number of atoms = (10−410^{-4} m) ÷ (10−1010^{-10} m).

  4. Step 4: Calculate the result. Number of atoms = 10610^6, which is about one million atoms.

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