(d) In March 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground and spilled 240,000 barrels of crude petroleum off the coast of Alaska. One barrel of petroleum is equal to 42 gal. How many liters of petroleum were spilled?

Key Concepts

Volume Conversion

Volume conversion is the process of changing a measurement from one unit to another. In this case, we need to convert barrels of petroleum to gallons and then to liters. Understanding the conversion factors, such as 1 barrel equals 42 gallons and 1 gallon equals approximately 3.78541 liters, is essential for accurately calculating the total volume of petroleum spilled.

Unit of Measurement

Units of measurement are standardized quantities used to express physical properties. In this question, we are dealing with barrels, gallons, and liters, which are all units of volume. Recognizing the differences between these units and their appropriate contexts is crucial for performing accurate calculations and ensuring the results are meaningful.

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert one set of units to another by multiplying by conversion factors. This method ensures that units cancel appropriately, leading to the desired unit in the final answer. It is particularly useful in chemistry for solving problems involving different units, such as converting the volume of oil from barrels to liters in this scenario.