how heavy is a 3 foot cube of tungsten

2 min read 22-12-2024

How Heavy is a 3-Foot Cube of Tungsten? A Deep Dive into Density

Tungsten, known for its incredible density, makes a 3-foot cube a surprisingly hefty object. Let's explore exactly how heavy this would be and delve into the science behind its impressive weight.

Understanding Tungsten's Density

Tungsten boasts an exceptionally high density—around 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). This means it packs a lot of mass into a small volume, far exceeding the density of common materials like steel or lead. This extreme density is a key characteristic that leads to its use in applications requiring high weight in a small space.

Calculating the Weight

To determine the weight of a 3-foot cube of tungsten, we need to perform a few calculations:

Convert Units: First, we need to convert the dimensions from feet to centimeters. Since 1 foot equals approximately 30.48 centimeters, a 3-foot cube has sides of 91.44 cm (3 ft * 30.48 cm/ft).
Calculate Volume: The volume of a cube is side * side * side. Therefore, the volume of our tungsten cube is 91.44 cm * 91.44 cm * 91.44 cm = 764555 cubic centimeters (cm³).
Apply Density: Now we can use tungsten's density to find the mass. Mass = Volume * Density. So, the mass is 764555 cm³ * 19.3 g/cm³ = 14752601.5 grams.
Convert to More Useful Units: 14,752,601.5 grams is a bit unwieldy. Let's convert this to kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs):
- Kilograms: 14,752,601.5 grams / 1000 grams/kg = 14752.6 kg
- Pounds: 14752.6 kg * 2.20462 lbs/kg ≈ 32519 lbs or approximately 16.26 tons.

Therefore, a 3-foot cube of tungsten weighs approximately 16.26 tons, or about 14753 kilograms.

Applications of Tungsten's High Density

This remarkable density is why tungsten finds its niche in several specialized applications:

Counterweights: In aircraft and other machinery, where minimizing size is crucial, tungsten's high density makes it ideal for counterweights.
Radiation Shielding: Its high atomic number makes it effective at absorbing radiation, making it valuable in radiation shielding applications.
Military Applications: Tungsten alloys are used in armor-piercing projectiles and other military applications that require high density and strength.

Conclusion

A 3-foot cube of tungsten is incredibly heavy, weighing approximately 16.26 tons. Its immense density stems from the unique atomic structure of the element, leading to numerous applications where high mass-to-volume ratio is essential. Understanding this property is key to appreciating tungsten's vital role in various advanced technologies.

Further Reading:

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how heavy is a 3 foot cube of tungsten