A cast-iron pipe is 1 m long with an inner (bore) diameter of 3 cm and uniform metal thickness of 1 cm. If cast iron has density 21 g/cm^3, find the pipe’s weight.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 26.4 kg

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The pipe is a hollow cylinder; its metal volume is the difference between the outer and inner cylinder volumes. Multiplying this volume by the material density gives the weight (mass) of the pipe.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Length L = 1 m = 100 cm.
  • Inner diameter = 3 cm ⇒ inner radius r_i = 1.5 cm.
  • Thickness t = 1 cm ⇒ outer radius r_o = 2.5 cm.
  • Density ρ = 21 g/cm^3.


Concept / Approach:

  • Metal volume V = π*(r_o^2 − r_i^2)*L (in cm^3).
  • Weight (mass) m = ρ * V.


Step-by-Step Solution:

r_o^2 − r_i^2 = (2.5)^2 − (1.5)^2 = 6.25 − 2.25 = 4.00 cm^2V = π * 4.00 * 100 = 400π cm^3m = 21 * 400π g = 8400π g ≈ 26389 gConvert to kg: 26.389 kg ≈ 26.4 kg


Verification / Alternative check:
Using π ≈ 3.1416 gives 400*3.1416*21 ≈ 26389 g; rounding to one decimal kg yields 26.4 kg.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 21, 24.2, 18.6 kg: Do not match the precise hollow-cylinder calculation.
  • None of these: Not applicable; 26.4 kg is correct.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Using diameter instead of radius.
  • Forgetting to convert cm to m or grams to kilograms.


Final Answer:
26.4 kg

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