Question

A scientist has a sample of a substance with a volume of 50 cm³ and a mass of 130 g. This is most likely a sample of which substance a gold b aluminum c pure water D ocean water.

Answer 1

The density of gold is approximately 19.3 g/cm³, which would make a 50 cm³ sample weigh around 965 g, ruling out option A. The density of aluminum is approximately 2.7 g/cm³, which would make a 50 cm³ sample weigh around 135 g, making it a possibility, but not the most likely option. The density of pure water is 1 g/cm³, which would make a 50 cm³ sample weigh 50 g, ruling out option C. Ocean water is a mixture of salt and other substances, and its density may vary depending on its location and conditions. However, it typically has a density of about 1.025 g/cm³, which would make a 50 cm³ sample weigh around 51.25 g. Therefore, the most likely substance in this scenario is ocean water, so the answer is D.