(b) The lung capacity of the blue whale is 5.0×10³ L. Convert this volume into gallons.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the conversion factor between liters and gallons. The conversion factor is 1 gallon = 3.78541 liters.
2. Set up the conversion equation using the given volume in liters and the conversion factor. The equation will be: \( \text{Volume in gallons} = \frac{\text{Volume in liters}}{\text{Conversion factor}} \).
3. Substitute the given volume of the blue whale's lung capacity (5.0 \times 10^3 L) into the equation.
4. Perform the division to convert the volume from liters to gallons.
5. Ensure the units are correctly canceled out, leaving the final answer in gallons.

Key Concepts

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. In this case, we need to convert liters to gallons. Understanding the conversion factors between different units is essential for accurate calculations, as it allows for the correct interpretation of measurements in various contexts.

Volume Measurement

Volume is a measure of the amount of space an object or substance occupies. It is commonly measured in liters (L) in the metric system and gallons in the imperial system. Knowing how to measure and compare volumes in different units is crucial for applications in chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

Gallons and Liters Relationship

The relationship between gallons and liters is defined by specific conversion factors. One gallon is approximately equal to 3.78541 liters. Understanding this relationship is vital for converting volumes accurately, especially when dealing with large quantities, such as the lung capacity of a blue whale.