Calculate the Weight of a Steel Plate with Ease

When you're studying for the CWEA Maintenance Technologist exam, mastering calculations is crucial. Let’s tackle a common question about determining the weight of a standard steel plate. You might be wondering, “How do I even start?” Don't worry, we'll walk through it step by step.

So, picture this: you’ve got a steel plate that measures 4 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 1 inch thick. First off, you need the density of steel, which is about 490 lbs per cubic foot. But how do we turn those dimensions into a weight measurement, you ask? Let's break it down.

Step 1: Volume Calculation

To find the weight, we have to calculate the volume of the plate. The formula is straightforward:

[ \text{Volume} = \text{Width} \times \text{Length} \times \text{Thickness} ]

Now, remember the thickness is in inches! We have to convert that into feet. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, doing a little math gives us:

[ \text{Thickness in feet} = \frac{1}{12} , \text{ft} ]

Now let’s plug in our numbers:

[ \text{Volume} = 4 , \text{ft} \times 8 , \text{ft} \times \frac{1}{12} , \text{ft} ] By crunching those numbers, we get:

[ \text{Volume} = \frac{32}{12} , \text{ft}^3 = \frac{8}{3} , \text{ft}^3 \approx 2.6667 , \text{ft}^3 ]

Step 2: Weight Calculation

Now that we know the volume, we can find the weight! This is done by multiplying the volume by the weight of steel per cubic foot:

[ \text{Weight} = \text{Volume} \times \text{Weight per cubic foot} ]

Plugging in our numbers:

[ \text{Weight} = 2.6667 , \text{ft}^3 \times 490 , \text{lbs/ft}^3 \approx 1,306.6 , \text{lbs} ]

And there you have it! The total weight of the steel plate is 1,306.6 lbs, corresponding to option B.

Why is this important? Understanding how to calculate the weight of different materials isn't just an abstract exercise; it’s essential for practical applications in maintenance, construction, and engineering fields. Think about all those projects where precise material needs matter—knowing these calculations makes you ready for real-life situations.

So, when you sit down to tackle problems in the CWEA exam, remember this method. It’s all about breaking down the problem into manageable bites—like slicing through that steel plate! And hey, if you ever get stuck, don’t forget that practice leads to confidence.

Now, maybe the next time you see a steel plate—whether in a factory, building site, or your own home—you'll think about the weight and the calculations behind it. It’s not just math; it's about understanding the materials that make our world work. And isn’t that what being a Maintenance Technologist is all about? Knowing your stuff and applying it confidently, one calculation at a time.