Chloe finds a crystalline mineral specimen during a field trip and wants to identify what mineral it is by determining its density.
She explains her reasoning:
Chloe: "The density of the mineral will be exactly the same, no matter how big or small the specimen is, as long as it is composed of the same pure mineral."
Her classmate, Dan, disagrees:
Dan: "Larger specimens will have a higher density because they are heavier."
Who is correct – Chloe or Dan? Explain your answer.
Chloe uses a measuring cylinder to find the volume of water displaced by the specimen. She has three measuring cylinders to choose from:
(i) Which measuring cylinder would give the most precise measurement? Explain your answer.
The most precise measuring cylinder may still not give an accurate reading. Suggest one reason why.
The table below shows the measurements Chloe makes:
| Mass of specimen in g\text{g}g | Volume of specimen in cm3\text{cm}^3cm3 |
|---|---|
| 747474 | 151515 |
(i) State the equation linking density, mass, and volume.
Calculate the density of the specimen. State your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures and give the unit.
How can Chloe use her calculated density value to identify the type of mineral?
Chloe might still be unsure of the exact type of mineral even after matching her calculated density value. Suggest why.