Chapter 1: Problem 84
Lithium is the least dense metal known (density = \(\left.0.53 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\right)\). What is the volume occupied by \(3.15 \times 10^{3} \mathrm{~g}\) of lithium?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Recall the formula for volume
Identify the given values
Apply the values to the formula
Perform the calculation
State the final answer
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Lithium Properties
As an alkali metal, lithium is very reactive, especially with water, but its low density makes it ideal for lightweight applications. You often find lithium in batteries, especially where weight is a concern, like in smartphones and electric cars. Additionally, lithium is soft and has a silvery-white appearance.
Volume Formula
\[ \text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Density}} \]
This formula tells us how much space a quantity of material, like lithium in this case, occupies. In it, volume is usually measured in cubic centimeters (\(\text{cm}^3\)) or other similar units.
Density Formula
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \]
In this equation, density is typically measured in grams per cubic centimeter (\(\text{g/cm}^3\)). It plays a key role in distinguishing different materials. A substance with a lower density like lithium means it has a large amount of space between its particles, unlike high-density materials such as lead or mercury.
Mass and Volume Relationship
\[ \text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Density}} \]
This lets us calculate the volume if we know an object's mass and density. The inverse applies too—with known volume and density, one can find mass. This relationship is vital for applications across science and engineering, helping predict how substances will behave in different environments. It also shows how the same amount of material can occupy different spaces if densities change.