A rectangular insulating spacer is to be made from expanded polystyrene.

The polystyrene

beads used will increase in volume

approximately 27 times when heated in the mold.

The mold

is 4" X 5.5" X 8.5", and the 8.5" dimension is vertical (depth).

Calculate the depth (in.) of

polystyrene beads in the mold prior to expansion. Show all calculations, including variables and

units. Hint: assume the dimensions increase by approximately the same factor in all directions,

and the factor is not 27.