Final answer:
The volume of a gold nugget can be determined by submerging it in water in a graduated cylinder and calculating the difference in water levels before and after. To find the density, you divide the mass by the volume and compare it to the known density of gold, which is 19.3 g/cm³.
Step-by-step explanation:
The volume of a gold nugget can be found using water displacement method and a graduated cylinder. First, fill the graduated cylinder with a known volume of water and record this initial volume. Next, carefully submerge the gold nugget into the water, making sure it's completely covered, and record the new volume of water. The difference between the final volume and the initial volume is the volume of the gold nugget, as the gold displaces an amount of water equal to its own volume.
For example, if the initial water volume is 20 mL and after submerging the gold nugget the volume rises to 25 mL, then the volume of the gold nugget is 5 mL, or 5 cm³ if we're working with cubic centimeters.
Calculating Density
To calculate the density of the gold nugget, divide its mass by its volume. Using the given density of gold, which is 19.3 g/cm³, you can also determine if the nugget is made of pure gold or not. For instance, if the mass of the nugget is 96.5 grams and it displaces 5 cm³ of water, the density you calculate from the mass and volume should be close to the known density of gold to confirm its purity.