In a sprayer calibration scenario applying 0.5 gal per 1000 sq ft with a total flow of 1 gal/min, how many minutes are required to treat one acre (43,560 sq ft)?

In a sprayer calibration scenario applying 0.5 gal per 1000 sq ft with a total flow of 1 gal/min, how many minutes are required to treat one acre (43,560 sq ft)?

• A. 21.78
• B. 10.89
• C. 43.56
• D. 60.0

Answer: (A)

This question tests how to convert area and application rate into the total time needed using the sprayer’s flow. Start by turning the acres into the same unit used in the application rate: 1 acre equals 43,560 square feet, which is 43.56 blocks of 1,000 square feet. At 0.5 gallon per 1,000 sq ft, the total gallons needed for one acre is 0.5 × 43.56 = 21.78 gallons. With a sprayer that delivers 1 gallon per minute, the time required is 21.78 gallons ÷ 1 gal/min = 21.78 minutes. So about 21.78 minutes are needed to treat one acre. The other numbers don’t fit because they would require a different combination of rate or flow (for example, doubling the gallons or halving the flow would yield longer or shorter times).

This question tests how to convert area and application rate into the total time needed using the sprayer’s flow. Start by turning the acres into the same unit used in the application rate: 1 acre equals 43,560 square feet, which is 43.56 blocks of 1,000 square feet. At 0.5 gallon per 1,000 sq ft, the total gallons needed for one acre is 0.5 × 43.56 = 21.78 gallons. With a sprayer that delivers 1 gallon per minute, the time required is 21.78 gallons ÷ 1 gal/min = 21.78 minutes. So about 21.78 minutes are needed to treat one acre.

The other numbers don’t fit because they would require a different combination of rate or flow (for example, doubling the gallons or halving the flow would yield longer or shorter times).