Question

consider the following densities of known metals.
metal density (g/cm³)
gold 19.3
rhodium 12.4
copper 8.96
iron 7.86
zirconium 6.51
if cube of an unknown metal with a mass of 51.7 mg measures 1.61 mm on one side, what is the most likely identity of the metal?
zirconium
copper
iron
rhodium
gold

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate volume of cube

$V = (1.61\times10^{-1}\text{ cm})^3= 4.173\times10^{-3}\text{ cm}^3$

Step2: Calculate density of unknown metal

$
ho=\frac{51.7\times10^{-3}\text{ g}}{4.173\times10^{-3}\text{ cm}^3}=12.4\text{ g/cm}^3$

Answer:

rhodium