The diameter of a sphere is 8 cm. It is melted and drawn into a wire of diameter 3 mm. The length of the wire is
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Hard
Choose an option
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A36.9 m
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B37.9 m
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C38.9 m
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D39.9 m
Answer
Correct Answer: 37.9 m
Explanation
### Concept & Volume Conservation
Melting and reshaping a solid means equating the original volume (sphere) with the new volume (cylinder/wire).
$$Volume_{sphere} = \frac{4}{3}\pi R^3$$
$$Volume_{wire} = \pi r^2 h$$
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Given sphere diameter = $8 \text{ cm}$, so its radius $R = 4 \text{ cm}$.
2. Volume of the sphere = $\frac{4}{3}\pi (4)^3 = \frac{256}{3}\pi \text{ cm}^3$.
3. Given wire diameter = $3 \text{ mm} = 0.3 \text{ cm}$. Its radius $r = 0.15 \text{ cm} = \frac{3}{20} \text{ cm}$.
4. Volume of the wire = $\pi (\frac{3}{20})^2 \times h = \frac{9}{400}\pi h \text{ cm}^3$.
5. Equate the volumes: $\frac{9}{400}\pi h = \frac{256}{3}\pi$.
6. Cancel $\pi$ and solve for $h$: $h = \frac{256 \times 400}{9 \times 3} = \frac{102400}{27} \text{ cm}$.
7. Calculate the value: $h \approx 3792.59 \text{ cm}$.
8. Convert to meters by dividing by 100: $37.9259 \text{ m} \approx 37.9 \text{ m}$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Instead of working with the decimal $0.15$ for the wire's radius, use the fraction $\frac{3}{20}$. Fractions are much easier to square and cross-multiply in volume conservation problems.
### Common Pitfall
Failing to convert the final answer from centimeters to meters. The raw calculation yields $\approx 3792$, which might cause confusion if the units in the options are not carefully checked.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **37.9 m**.