The Exxon Valdez spill of 11 million gallons is approximately how many cubic meters?

• A. 10,000 m3
• B. 41,640 m3
• C. 100,000 m3
• D. 416,000 m3

Answer: (B)

Converting volumes between gallons and cubic meters is the key idea. Use US gallons: 1 gallon ≈ 3.78541 liters, and 1 cubic meter = 1000 liters. Multiply the spilled volume by the liter conversion and then convert to cubic meters.

11,000,000 gallons × 3.78541 L/gallon ≈ 41,639,510 L, which is ≈ 41,639.5 m^3, so about 41,640 m^3.

That’s why the value around 41,640 m^3 is the best match. The other options are noticeably smaller or larger than this result.