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Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 107a

A large tanker truck for carrying gasoline has a capacity of 3.4⨉104 L. (a) What is the tanker's capacity in gallons?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Volume Conversion

Volume conversion is the process of changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as liters to gallons. In this case, understanding the conversion factor between liters and gallons is essential, as 1 liter is approximately equal to 0.264172 gallons. This knowledge allows for accurate calculations when converting the tanker's capacity.
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Scientific Notation

Scientific notation is a way of expressing large or small numbers in a compact form, using powers of ten. The tanker's capacity is given as 3.4⨉10^4 L, which means 34,000 liters. Familiarity with scientific notation is important for interpreting and manipulating such values in calculations.
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Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert units by multiplying by conversion factors. It ensures that the units cancel appropriately, leading to the desired unit in the final answer. This method is crucial for solving the problem, as it allows for the systematic conversion of liters to gallons while maintaining accuracy.
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