Question

Which of the following items would have the lowest density?
A.
A 6 cm3 block of ice with a mass of 4 grams
B.
A 12 cm3 block of wood with a mass of 3 grams
C.
A 12 cm3 block of aluminum with a mass of 2 grams
D.
A 2 cm3 block of lead with a mass of 11 grams

Answer 1

To determine which item has the lowest density, we can use the formula for density:

\[
\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}
\]

Let's calculate the density for each of the given items.

**A.** A 6 cm³ block of ice with a mass of 4 grams:
\[
\text{Density}_A = \frac{4 \text{ g}}{6 \text{ cm}^3} = \frac{4}{6} \approx 0.67 \text{ g/cm}^3
\]

**B.** A 12 cm³ block of wood with a mass of 3 grams:
\[
\text{Density}_B = \frac{3 \text{ g}}{12 \text{ cm}^3} = \frac{3}{12} = 0.25 \text{ g/cm}^3
\]

**C.** A 12 cm³ block of aluminum with a mass of 2 grams:
\[
\text{Density}_C = \frac{2 \text{ g}}{12 \text{ cm}^3} = \frac{2}{12} \approx 0.17 \text{ g/cm}^3
\]

**D.** A 2 cm³ block of lead with a mass of 11 grams:
\[
\text{Density}_D = \frac{11 \text{ g}}{2 \text{ cm}^3} = \frac{11}{2} = 5.5 \text{ g/cm}^3
\]

Now we can compare the calculated densities:
- Density of ice: **0.67 g/cm³**
- Density of wood: **0.25 g/cm³**
- Density of aluminum: **0.17 g/cm³**
- Density of lead: **5.5 g/cm³**

The lowest density is of option **C: Aluminum**, which has a density of approximately **0.17 g/cm³**.