Question

I had to do a lab to calculate the thickness of aluminum foil. I worked the problem out ( see below), but I feel I am doing something wrong. Can you please help me?

Data table:

Foil Piece	Length (cm)	Width (cm)	Area (cm2)	Mass (g)	Density (g/cm3)	Volume (cm3)	Thickness (cm)
Foil #1	10	10	100	1	2.70	0.370	0.0037
Foil #2	10	10	100	1	2.70	0.370	0.0037
Foil #3	10	10	100	1	2.70	0.370	0.0037

Area = L x H

Mass: I will have to weight each piece of foil

Volume = Mass/Density

Thickness = Volume/Area

NOT SURE IF I CALCULATED THIS CORRECTLY?

DID I DO THE THICKNESS WRONG

Answer 1

Ans. Your calculations are correct.

However, a bit of modification in terms would be required.

# You have measure, length (l) and width (b) but NOT the thickness (h) of foil. Your aim is to determine h.

So, do NOT write “Area = L x H”

# Volume = Mass / Density                         - equation 1

# Volume = Area x thickness = (l x b) x h - equation 2

# You have measured mass of foil. Density is known to you.

# Comparing equation 1 and 2-

            Mass / Density = Area x thickness

            Or, 1.0 g / (2.70 g/ cm³) = (10 cm x 10 cm) x h

            Or, 1.0 g / (2.70 g/ cm³) = (10 cm x 10 cm) x h

            Or, 0.370370 cm³ = 100 cm² x h

            Or, h = 0.370370 cm³ / 100 cm² = 0.0037 cm

Hence, thickness of aluminum foil = 0.0037 cm