Question

An experiment to determine the density of a coin

Answer 1

AIM: Determine the density of the material of a coin.

Explanation:

Measuring density of a coin is used to determine the metal a coin is made of. A coin density is the ratio between the coin's weight and the weight of the same volume of water.

Density depends on the metal used. Density works well for pure metals (silver, gold, zinc etc).

Equipment:

(i) A precision scale (0.01 g)

(ii) A glass filled with water

(iii) A paper clip

(iv) A piece of string, 10 to 20 cm long

Directions:

(i) Weight the coin and write down its weight.

(ii) Tie the string to the paper clip.

(iii) Put the glass of water on the scale.

(iv) Put the clip fully under water while suspended to the string.

(v) Make sure the clip makes no direct contact with the glass.

(vi) Set the scale tare (set it to 0).

(vii) Put the coin in the clip.

(viii) If the coin is too large, bend the clip and set the coin on top of it.

(ix) Put the coin and clip fully under water.

(x) Make sure they make no direct contact with the glass.

(xi) Write down the new weight displayed on the scale