A sample in your lab has a mass of 2.7 kg and occupies a volume of 0.001 m^3. Based on its density, which substance is it most likely to be?

• A. Lead
• B. Aluminum
• C. Iron
• D. Copper

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Calculate the density of the sample using the formula for density: \(\rho = \frac{m}{V}\), where \(m\) is the mass and \(V\) is the volume.
2. Substitute the given values into the formula: mass \(m = 2.7\ \text{kg}\) and volume \(V = 0.001\ \text{m}^3\).
3. Perform the division to find the density \(\rho\) in units of \(\text{kg/m}^3\) (do not calculate the final number here, just set up the expression).
4. Compare the calculated density to the known densities of the substances listed: Lead, Aluminum, Iron, and Copper. Known approximate densities are: Lead (~11340 \(\text{kg/m}^3\)), Aluminum (~2700 \(\text{kg/m}^3\)), Iron (~7870 \(\text{kg/m}^3\)), Copper (~8960 \(\text{kg/m}^3\)).
5. Identify which substance's density is closest to the calculated density to determine the most likely identity of the sample.