Physics quiz question: monolith surface area

Physics 8A Quiz 1, Spring Semester 2004
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Physics 8A learning goal Q1.2

(Cf. Young and Freeman, University Physics, 11/e, Exercise 1.14.)

[Version 1]

[3.0 points.] A solid model of a monolith has rectangular dimensions of 1.00 units x 4.00 units x 9.0 units. Which one of the following choices best describes the total surface area (in units^2) of this monolith?
(A) 9.8 x 10^1 units^2.
(B) 9.80 x 10^1 units^2.
(C) 1.0 x 10^1 units^2.
(D) 1.00 x 10^1 units^2.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses:
(A) : 28 students
(B) : 8 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 0 students

[Version 2]

[3.0 points.] A solid model of a monolith has rectangular dimensions of 1.000 units x 4.000 units x 9.00 units. Which one of the following choices best describes the total surface area (in units^2) of this monolith?
(A) 9.8 x 10^1 units^2.
(B) 9.80 x 10^1 units^2.
(C) 1.0 x 10^2 units^2.
(D) 1.00 x 10^2 units^2.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses:
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 27 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 1 student

The dimensions of the monolith from Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey are, of course, known to much more significant figures than given here.