Question

Here are two closed containers and four balls just fit into each container. Each ball has a diameter of 60mm. Which container has a smaller surface area? You must show your working.

Answer 1

Container B has smaller surface area.

Explanation:

Given:

Container A

Radius = 60/2 = 30 mm

Height = 4 x 60 = 240 mm

Container B

Length = 120

Width = 120

Height = 60

Computation:

Surface area of container A (Cylinder) = 2πr[h+r]

Surface area of container A (Cylinder) = 2[22/7][60][120+60]

Surface area of container A (Cylinder) = 67,885.70 mm² (Approx)

Surface area of container B (Cuboid) = 2[lb+bh+hl]

Surface area of container B (Cuboid) = 2[(14,400)+(7,200)+(7,200)]

Surface area of container B (Cuboid) = 57,600 mm²

Container B has smaller surface area.