Bacteria vary somewhat in size, but a diameter of 1.3 μm is not unusual.?

1. What would be the volume (in cubic centimeters) of such a bacterium, assuming that it is spherical?

2. What would be the surface area (in square millimeters) of such a bacterium, assuming that it is spherical?

3 Answers

  • r = 0.65 μm = 6.5×10⁻⁵ cm = 6.5×10⁻⁴ mm

    volume = (4/3)πr³

    = (4/3)π(6.5×10⁻⁵)³

    ≅ 1.15×10⁻¹² cm³

    surface area = 4πr²

    = 4π(6.5×10⁻⁴)²

    ≅ 5.3×10⁻⁶ mm²

  • Sphere V = ⁴/₃πr³

    A = 4πr²

    V = ⁴/₃π(1.3e-6)³ = 9.20e-18 m³

    9.20e-18 m³ x (100 cm/m)³ = 9.20e-12 cm³

    A = 4π(1.3e-6)² = 2.12e-11 m²

    2.12e-11 m² x (1000 mm/m)² 2.12e-5 mm²

  • 1.3 um = 0.00013 cm = 0.0013 mm

    V = (4/3) pi r^3

    r = 0.000065 cm

    V = 1.15 x 10^-12 cm^3

    SA = 4 pi r^2

    r = 0.00065 mm

    SA = 5.31 x 10^-6 mm^2

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