Question

Metals expand to a larger volume when heated. If a piece of metal was heated, which one of the following statements would be TRUE?

1) The newly calculated density value of the metal would not change from the initial value.
2) The newly calculated density value would decrease.
3) The newly calculated density value would increase.
4) The mass of the metal would also increase.
5) none of the above

Answer 1

When a piece of metal is heated, its volume increases but its mass remains constant, resulting in a decrease in density. The correct statement is that the newly calculated density value would decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a piece of metal is heated, it expands, which means its volume increases. However, the mass of the metal does not change just because it is heated. Since density is defined as mass per unit volume, if the volume increases while the mass remains constant, the density must decrease. Therefore, the newly calculated density value of the metal would decrease. It is important to note that heating the metal does not affect its mass, so the statement the mass of the metal would also increase is incorrect. This concept of volume expansion and its effect on density is part of the study of thermal expansion in materials.