Question

A student has a large number of coins of different diameters, all made by the same metal. She wishes to find the density of the metal by a method of placing the coins in the water.
a. Describe how the measurements of the required quantities are carried out.
b. State ONE precaution taken when carrying out the measurements in A to ensure that the results are accurate as possible.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. In a graduated cylinder, put some quantity of water and measure the initial volume. Then put a coin and measure the volume. To find the volume of the coin, simply subtract the initial volume (water only) from the ending volume (water + coin). To measure the mass, take a dry coin and place it on an electronic scale. Density = mass / volume, so divide the mass by the volume to calculate the density of the coin.

B. When measuring the volume, make sure to look at the graduated cylinder at eye level and read from the bottom of the meniscus.