2. The densities of the coinage metals (copper, silver and gold) are as follows:
copper = 8.95 g/cm3
silver = 12.59 g/cm3
gold = 19.32 g/cm3
A sample of material is found to weigh 15.12 grams and have a volume of 1.20 cm3. The sample is most likely which of the coinage metals listed above?
To determine which coinage metal the sample is most likely to be, we can compare its density to the densities of copper, silver, and gold.
Density = mass/volume
For the sample, density = 15.12 g / 1.20 cm3 = 12.60 g/cm3
Comparing this value to the densities given for the coinage metals:
- Copper has a density of 8.95 g/cm3, so the sample's density is higher.
- Silver has a density of 12.59 g/cm3, so the sample's density is very close.
- Gold has a density of 19.32 g/cm3, so the sample's density is lower.
Since the sample's density is closest to the density of silver, it is most likely to be silver.