Question

Describe an experiment to determine the density of the material of a coin.

Answer 1

Density = $\frac{Mass}{Volume}$

To find the density of the material of a coin, we need to find its:
(i) Mass- by common beam balance
(ii) Volume- by measuring cylinder

Measure the mass of the coin:
Let the mass of coin shown by beam balance = M (gram) = 50 g (say)

Measure the volume of the coin:
Initial volume of water = V₁ = 42 ml (say)
Final volume of water when coin is added in the cylinder = V₂ = 52 ml (say)
Then volume of coin = V₂ – V₁ = 52 – 42 = 10 ml

Density of material of a coin = $\frac{Mass}{Volume}$
= $\frac{50}{52-42}$
= $\frac{50}{10}$
= $5gc{m}^{-3}$