Question

A drop of olive oil of radius 0.30 mm spreads into a
rectangular film of 30 cm x 15 cm on the water
surface. Estimate the molecular size of olive oil.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Here olive oil spread as a film, supposing it is 1 molecule thick on water surface, then the thickness of the film will give the estimate of diameter of molecule

So, we have

d = Volume of oil drop ÷ Area of film

d = 4/3 π (0.03)³ ÷ 450

d = 4/3 (0.000027) ÷ 450

d = 0.000036 ÷ 450

d =8*10^-8

or d = 2.5 x 10^(-7) cm

Explanation: