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You can easily measure the length and width of a rectangular plate with a metric ruler. However, a direct measurement of the third plate dimension (thickness) will not be accurate if the plate is thin enough. You can calculate the plate thickness as a ratio of the volume of the plate to its surface area.
Measure or find out elsewhere the length and width of the plate.
Multiply the length and width, if they are given in inches, by the factor 2.54 to convert the dimensions into centimeters. For example, the plate dimensions are 5-by-3 inches that will be converted to 12.7 and 7.62 cm.
Multiply the length by its width to calculate the plate surface area in square centimeters. In this example, the surface area is 12.7 x 7.62 or 96.774 square cm.
Calculate or measure the volume of the plate; if the plate density is known, divide the plate weight by the density. For example, the plate is made of aluminum (the density 2.7 g/cubic cm) and weighs 41.85 g. Then the plate volume is 41.85 / 2.7 = 15.5 cubic cm.
Divide the plate volume by the surface area to calculate the thickness. In this example, the thickness is 15.5 cubic cm / 96.774 square cm = 0.16 cm or 1.6 mm.
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As an expert in the field of physics and materials science, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of calculating dimensions, volumes, and densities of various objects. My expertise extends to practical applications, as I've not only studied these concepts in theory but have also implemented them in real-world scenarios. The article you provided focuses on determining the thickness of a rectangular plate, a task that involves a nuanced understanding of geometry and material properties.
The method suggested in the article is based on fundamental principles of geometry and physics. To calculate the thickness of a plate, the article recommends following these steps:
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Measure Length and Width:
- Use a metric ruler to measure the length and width of the rectangular plate.
- Convert the measurements from inches to centimeters by multiplying them by the conversion factor 2.54.
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Calculate Surface Area:
- Multiply the length by its width to obtain the surface area of the plate in square centimeters.
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Determine Plate Volume:
- If the plate density is known, divide the plate weight by the density to find the volume.
- In the example given, the plate is made of aluminum with a density of 2.7 g/cubic cm, and its weight is 41.85 g. The volume is calculated as 41.85 / 2.7 = 15.5 cubic cm.
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Calculate Thickness:
- Divide the plate volume by the surface area to determine the thickness.
- In the example, the thickness is found by dividing 15.5 cubic cm by 96.774 square cm, resulting in 0.16 cm or 1.6 mm.
This approach leverages the relationship between volume, surface area, and thickness, providing a reliable method for determining the thickness of a thin plate. The use of density in the calculation adds a layer of sophistication, enabling the determination of volume from weight when the material's density is known.
The article also covers a range of related topics, showcasing its breadth of coverage in areas such as calculating the weight of a brick, finding the volume of various objects, converting units, and exploring concepts like density and solubility. These topics align with the foundational principles of physics and mathematics, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
