Question

Metal Density (g/cm3)
aluminum 2.70
zinc 7.14
iron 7.87
copper 8.96
silver 10.49
lead 11.34
mercury 13.55
gold 19.32
21
What is the identity of a sample that has a volume of 1.96 cm3 and a mass of 17.6 g?
A.
copper
B.
silver
C.
lead
D.
zinc

Answer 1

To identify the sample, we can calculate its density using the formula:

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

Given that the mass is 17.6 g and the volume is 1.96 cm³, we can calculate the density:

\[
\text{Density} = \frac{17.6 \, \text{g}}{1.96 \, \text{cm}^3} \approx 8.98 \, \text{g/cm}^3
\]

Now, we can compare this density with the given densities of the metals:

- 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 density we calculated (approximately 8.98 g/cm³) is closest to the density of copper (8.96 g/cm³).

Thus, the identity of the sample is:

**A. copper**.