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.
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.
To determine the substance, we can compare the density of the given sample with known density values for different substances. Density is defined as mass per unit volume and can be calculated using the following formula:
Density = Mass / Volume
Let's calculate the density of the given sample using the provided mass and volume:
Density = 130 g / 50 cm³
Density ≈ 2.6 g/cm³
Now, let's compare this density with the known densities of the substances mentioned:
a) Gold: The density of gold is approximately 19.3 g/cm³, which is significantly higher than the calculated density of the sample (2.6 g/cm³).
b) Aluminum: The density of aluminum is approximately 2.7 g/cm³, which is close to the calculated density of the sample (2.6 g/cm³). However, it's not an exact match.
c) Pure water: The density of pure water is approximately 1 g/cm³, which is significantly lower than the calculated density of the sample (2.6 g/cm³).
d) Ocean water: The density of ocean water can vary, but on average it is around 1.03 g/cm³, which is lower than the calculated density of the sample (2.6 g/cm³).
Based on the comparison, it is most likely that the sample is made of aluminum.