Answer :
Final answer:
One cubic foot of water at 68° F approximately weighs 62.4 pounds. This value is based on the standard approximation for the density of water and may slightly vary with temperature changes. The correct option is (a).
Explanation:
The student's question revolves around determining the weight of one cubic foot of water at 68° F. To answer this question, we draw upon our knowledge of the density of water and expected weight in pounds. When it comes to the weight of water, temperature can affect its density slightly, but for standard calculations, especially in middle school and high school contexts, the density of water is often considered to be about 62.4 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) at standard room temperature, which includes 68° F.
Thus, the correct answer is 62.4 pounds. We should add that, indeed, water's density and thus weight can vary somewhat with temperature changes, but the recognized approximation for the weight of water is based on this standardized density value.
It's important to recognize the process of unit conversion when dealing with the density of water. Understanding that a cubic foot is a measure of volume and that pounds represent a measure of weight (or mass under the influence of gravity), we can use conversion factors to find equivalence between different units in physics and engineering.
