Question

Is a massive brick of pure gold more or less dense than a slender wedding ring also made of purc gold?

Short answer

The densities are the same, as density is an intrinsic property of a material.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Concept of Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume. The formula to calculate density is \( \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \). It is a property of matter that is intrinsic, meaning it does not change regardless of the amount or shape of the material.

Compare the Materials

Both the massive brick and the slender wedding ring are made of pure gold. Specifically, they are the same material with the same composition.

Apply the Concept of Density

Since both objects are made from pure gold, their composition is identical. This means the density of gold, an intrinsic property, remains the same regardless of the shape or size of the object. Thus, both the brick and the ring have the same density.

Key concepts

Intrinsic Property

An intrinsic property is a characteristic of a substance that remains constant regardless of the quantity or shape of the material.
It is inherent to the material itself and does not change unless the material itself changes.
For example, the density of a substance like pure gold is an intrinsic property. It will remain the same whether you have a small wedding ring or a large gold brick.

• Intrinsic properties provide a way to identify substances.
• They are useful for comparison and classification and do not depend on external factors.

Understanding intrinsic properties helps us see why materials behave the way they do, independently of their form or size.

Mass

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and is often measured in grams or kilograms.
It reflects the quantity of particles in a substance, making it independent of gravity, unlike weight.
When considering two objects made of the same material, like a gold brick and a gold ring, the mass can vary significantly.

• Larger objects can have more mass compared to smaller ones.
• However, the material's density does not change with mass.

Knowing the mass is essential in calculating density alongside volume.

Volume

Volume measures the amount of space an object occupies. It is usually expressed in cubic centimeters (cm³) or cubic meters (m³).
Like mass, volume can vary from object to object when they consist of the same material.
When comparing a gold brick to a slender gold ring, the volume will be different due to the disparity in size and shape.

• Volume is crucial for finding density using the formula: \( \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \).
• An object's volume must be known to understand how much space it inhabits.

Understanding volume helps explain why two objects with the same mass can still look different.

Pure Gold

Pure gold, with its characteristic bright yellow color, is renowned for its high density and malleability.
It is a chemical element with the symbol Au. Its purity makes it an excellent choice for jewelry and high-value objects.
In the comparison of a gold brick and a gold ring, knowing both are pure gold is crucial.

• Pure gold has a consistent composition and properties.
• The density of pure gold is approximately 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter, an intrinsic property.

This consistency ensures that, regardless of the object's form, the density remains unchanged. Thus, any item made of pure gold, irrespective of its size or shape, shares the same density.