A student determined the density of an unknown solid metal. He partly filled a pre-massed flask of known volume with solid and found the mass. Keeping the metal in place he then added water to fill the remaining volume of the flask. He used his data and correct calculations to find out the metal had a density of 6.95g/mL.

The teacher let him know that the actual density of the metal was 7.86g/mL. For each of the following, indicate if this would be a valid explanation for the difference in the experimental and actual density.

a. The irregular shape of the metal pieces caused air pockets to be trapped between those spaces.


b. The metal was wet when it was first placed in the empty flask.

c. The student assumed the water temperature was 20C (d=0.9982g/mL) but it was actually warm water, 30C (0.9956g/mL)

Why is this not in the homework help section?

What?

Doh!

Anyway, how far did you get before you got stuck?

Doh!

Anyway, how far did you get before you got stuck?

Don't worry, you're not going batty. I moved it after I saw your post.

Don't worry, you're not going batty. I moved it after I saw your post.

I thought someone had.

SBI, how far have you gotten on the problem? We'll help you with it, but aren't going to just give you answers (since that doesn't help anyone learn anything).