2 cubes each of volume 64 cm3 are joined end to end. Find the surface area of the resulting cuboid.
Concept Used:
- Volume of cube = \(a^3\)
- Surface area of cuboid = \(2(lb + bh + hl)\)
- When two identical cubes are joined face-to-face, the common faces are not exposed
- New shape becomes a cuboid
Solution Roadmap:
- Find side of cube using volume
- Determine new dimensions after joining
- Apply cuboid surface area formula
Solution:
Volume of each cube = \(64\ \text{cm}^3\)
\[ \begin{aligned} a^3 &= 64 \\ a &= \sqrt[3]{64} \\ a &= \sqrt[3]{4^3} \\ a &= 4\ \text{cm} \end{aligned} \]When two cubes are joined end to end:
- Length = \(4 + 4 = 8\ \text{cm}\)
- Breadth = \(4\ \text{cm}\)
- Height = \(4\ \text{cm}\)
Surface area of cuboid:
\[ \begin{aligned} \text{Surface Area} &= 2(lb + bh + hl) \\ &= 2(8 \times 4 + 4 \times 4 + 4 \times 8) \\ &= 2(32 + 16 + 32) \end{aligned} \] \[ \begin{aligned} &= 2(80) \\ &= 160\ \text{cm}^2 \end{aligned} \]Final Answer: \(160\ \text{cm}^2\)
Exam Significance:
- Frequently asked in CBSE Board Exams (1–2 mark direct question)
- Tests concept of transformation of solids
- Important for competitive exams like NTSE, Olympiads, and foundation IIT-JEE
- Builds base for complex composite solid problems