Final answer:
Yes, a non-metallic fake coin can be heavier than a real one due to the use of materials with higher density than the authentic coin's metal. Precision measurements of mass in and out of water by the displacement method can reveal the density and potential authenticity of the coin.
Step-by-step explanation:
A non-metallic fake coin can indeed be heavier than a real coin, even if the real coin is made of metal like silver or gold. This outcome is possible due to the difference in density of materials. Counterfeit coins may be composed of materials with higher densities compared to the metal used in authentic coins. For instance, tungsten has a high density and is sometimes used to create fake gold ingots. While gold has a density of about 19.3 g/cm3, tungsten has a density of about 19.25 g/cm3, so counterfeiters can make a gold-plated tungsten ingot that feels nearly as heavy as gold. Through the use of precision measurements of an object's mass in and out of water, one can use the displacement method to calculate the object's density, helping to reveal if it matches the expected density of the genuine material, such as pure silver or gold, as indicated by historical data or Table 11.1. The displacement method is a common way to test the authenticity of ancient coins and other valuable objects.