Final answer:
To find the mass of a diamond with a volume of 2.8 mL, you need to know the diamond's density, which is generally 3.51 g/cm³. The mass is then calculated by multiplying the density by the volume. Carats measure mass, where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the mass of a diamond based on its volume, we need to know the diamond's density. The mass of an object is calculated by the formula mass = density × volume. Since the volume of the diamond is given as 2.8 mL, if we know the density of diamond, which is typically 3.51 g/cm³ (or 3.51 g/mL), we can calculate the mass. However, it is crucial to clarify that this density value may vary slightly for different diamonds. To find the mass, the appropriate formula would be mass = 3.51 g/mL × 2.8 mL.
As for carats, they are a unit of mass used specifically for gemstones and pearls, and 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Once the mass in grams is calculated, it can be converted into carats by dividing by 0.2 or multiplying by 5. It is important to correct the student that carats are related to mass/weight, not volume. As for the answer choices given in the question:
- A) This is true in general, but without knowing the density we cannot affirm the mass.
- B) This is incorrect as carats do measure mass.
- C) This is correct, but we typically know the relationship for diamonds, so it's incomplete.
- D) Correct. The density is indeed required to determine the mass.