Question

What kinds of experiments could be done to determine if the shiny nugget is really gold? select all that apply. select all that apply. density measurements observing relative reactivity with water hardness measurements observing relative reactivity with acids and bases test with a magnet determination of homogeneity scale?

Answer 1

One of the most important characteristic of a metal is its density. As density is the mass of any substance per unit volume. If one can measure the mass of the given shiny metal and its volume then the density of the metal can be determined. The density if matches with the density of the real gold then one can determine the metal is gold or not. The other experiments given will not work in any condition as-

1. Gold doesn't react with water.

2. The hardness of any metals are more than the non-metals and it is not at all an unique property of any metal.

3. All the metals usually reacts with acids or bases with more or less extent. thus it cannot identify the metal is gold or not.

4. The magnetic property is an inherent property of metal. There are several metals which shows magnetic property. Thus gold cannot be identified by this way.