How many gallons will 15.5 lbs. of a liquid with a density of 3.60 g/mL occupy? Use dimensional analysis to solve the problem.
I

Explanation:

Use "Dimensional Analysis" to determine what "conversion factors" you will need before you do the math.

g

mL

×

??

??

=

lbs

gal

We need a mass conversion unit (

g

→

lbs

) and a volume conversion unit (

mL

→

gal

).

1

lb

=

454

g

or, for our equation,

1

lb

454

g

Volume will take two steps -

m

L

→

L

and

t

h

e

n

L

→

g

a

l

1

L

=

1000

m

L

and

1

g

a

l

=

3.785

L

Combining them we get:

1

g

a

l

=

3.785

L

×

1000

m

L

L

=

3785

m

L

3785

m

L

1

g

a

l

NOW we can apply these to our specific example.

1.0

g

m

L

×

1

lb

454

g

×

3785

m

L

1

g

a

l

=

8.34

lbs

gal

Explanation:

false

because it does not have the potential to be entirely used up