Question

2.To determine whether an element is actually gold, scientists will often determine the density of the element and compare it to the known density of gold (19.3 grams/cubic centimeter, or 19.3 g/cc). Samples less dense might be mixtures of many elements (not pure gold).

A sample is found to have a mass of 500 g. The sample is a perfect 2 cm cube. Is this sample gold?
Step 1. Identify given and unknown information.
Given Information Unknown Information
Mass = 500 g
Volume = 2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm = 8 cc Density = ?

Answer 1

Step 2. Choose the appropriate formula from the basic scientific equations.

i really dont understand how to do this at all.

Answer 2

so your using the density to determine if it is pure gold or not. remember that density is mass/unit volume, let me know if your still stuck

Answer 3

so the formula would be density = mass/volume?

Answer 4

correct

Answer 5

okay so now when i go to solve it how would i do it because the mass is 500g and the volume is 8cc.. so would it be 62.5g/cc

Answer 6

Odd. I cannot think of any material with such a high density.

Answer 7

ya i dont think thats right thats why i asked

Answer 8

yea i've never heard of such a high density either

Answer 9

at least in common materials

Answer 10

So would that be wrong or right? I'm confused..

Answer 11

well its not gold, check the question and make sure all the info is correct, if it is it is not gold. regardless the density as you have it now is higher than any material under normal conditions