Question

A cube of an unknown metal measures 0.200 cm on one side. The mass of the cube is 52 mg. Which of the following is most likely the unknown metal?
Metal Density(g/cm^3)
rhodium 12.4
copper 8.96
niobium 8.57
vanadium 6.11
zirconium 6.51

a. copper
b. rhodium
c. niobium
d. vanadium
e. zirconium

Answer 1

Answer:

Option E. Zirconium

Explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Length of side (L) of cube = 0.2 cm

Mass (m) of cube = 52 mg

Name of the unknown metal =?

Next, we shall determine the volume of the cube. This can be obtained as follow:

Length of side (L) of cube = 0.2 cm

Volume (V) of the cube =?

V = L³

V = 0.2³

V = 0.008 cm³

Next, we shall convert 52 mg to g. This can be obtained as follow:

1000 mg = 1 g

Therefore,

52 mg = 52 mg × 1 g / 1000 mg

52 mg = 0.052 g

Thus, 52 mg is equivalent to 0.052 g.

Next, we shall determine the density of the unknown metal. This can be obtained as follow:

Mass = 0.052 g.

Volume = 0.008 cm³

Density =?

Density = mass / volume

Density = 0.052 / 0.008

Density of the unknown metal = 6.5 g/cm³

Comparing the density of the unknown metal i.e 6.5 g/cm³ with those given in table in the above, we can conclude that the unknown metal is zirconium