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The square-cube law (or cube-square law) is a mathematical principle, applied in a variety of scientific fields, which describes the relationship between the volume and the area as a shape's size increases or decreases. It was first described in 1638 by Galileo Galilei in his ''Two New Sciences'' as the '' "...ratio of two volumes is greater than the ratio of their surfaces." '' 〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=How Mechanics Shaped the Modern World )〕 This principle states that, as a shape grows in size, its volume grows faster than its surface area. When applied to the real world this principle has many implications which are important in fields ranging from mechanical engineering to biomechanics. It helps explain phenomena including why large mammals like elephants have a harder time cooling themselves than small ones like mice, and why building taller and taller skyscrapers is increasingly difficult. ==Description== The square-cube law can be stated as follows: Represented mathematically:〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=World Builders: The Sizes of Living Things )〕 : where is the original surface area and is the new surface area. : where is the original volume, is the new volume, is the original length and is the new length. For example, a cube with a side length of 1 meter has a surface area of 6 m2 and a volume of 1 m3. If the dimensions of the cube were multiplied by 2, its surface area would be multiplied by the ''square'' of 2 and become 24 m2. Its volume would be multiplied by the ''cube'' of 2 and become 8 m3. Thus the Square-cube law. This principle applies to all solids.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=The Biology of B-Movie Monsters )〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア(Wikipedia)』 ■ウィキペディアで「Square-cube law」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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