Identify a metal based on its density

The goal of this exercise is for your group to identify the composition of a small metal object. You will make a series of measurements and calculate its density, together with an uncertainty. Then you will use that density to pick several possible materials from a table of metals.

Here are the devices you will have:

• a small metal object of some simple shape
• a scale
• a ruler or meter stick

You should follow these steps:

• measure the dimensions of your object (plus uncertainties)
• measure the mass of your object (plus uncertainty)
• make a neat table of the measurements
• compute the volume of the object, and its uncertainty
• compute the density of the object, and its uncertainty
• find materials in the list of metals which have densities consistent with your measurement
• write down the candidates, and indicate which one(s) you think are the most likely

You might find a list of metals and their densities to be useful in this exercise.

Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.