To find the identity of the sample, we can calculate its density using the formula:
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \]
Given:
- Mass = 25.0 g
- Volume = 2.38 cm³
Calculating the density:
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{25.0 , \text{g}}{2.38 , \text{cm}^3} \approx 10.50 , \text{g/cm}^3 \]
Now we can compare this calculated density with the densities of the metals provided:
- Aluminum: 2.70 g/cm³
- Zinc: 7.14 g/cm³
- Iron: 7.87 g/cm³
- Copper: 8.96 g/cm³
- Silver: 10.49 g/cm³
- Lead: 11.34 g/cm³
- Mercury: 13.55 g/cm³
- Gold: 19.32 g/cm³
The calculated density of approximately 10.50 g/cm³ is very close to the density of silver (10.49 g/cm³).
Therefore, the identity of the sample is:
B. silver