Which of the following is closest to the density of gold at room temperature?

• A. 19.3 g/cm^3
• B. 2.70 g/cm^3
• C. 10.5 g/cm^3
• D. 8.96 g/cm^3

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that density is defined as mass divided by volume, expressed as \(\rho = \frac{m}{V}\), where \(\rho\) is density, \(m\) is mass, and \(V\) is volume.
2. Understand that the density of a pure element like gold can be found in reference tables or periodic table data, typically given in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm\(^3\)).
3. Recognize that gold is a heavy metal with a high atomic mass and closely packed atoms, which results in a relatively high density compared to many other metals.
4. Compare the given options to the known approximate density of gold, which is around 19.3 g/cm\(^3\), and see which value is closest to this known standard.
5. Conclude that among the options 2.70 g/cm\(^3\), 10.5 g/cm\(^3\), and 8.96 g/cm\(^3\), the value closest to gold's density is 19.3 g/cm\(^3\), confirming the correct answer.