How to Calculate the Density of Pyrite?

What is the density of pyrite?

A. 19.3 g/cm³
B. 10 g/cm³
C. 5 g/cm³
D. 2 g/cm³

Answer:

The density of pyrite is 5 g/cm³.

Pyrite, also known as "fool’s gold," resembles real gold but can be distinguished by density. Gold has a density of 19.3 g/cm³, while a sample of pyrite with a mass of 10 grams and volume of 2 cm³ has a density of 5 g/cm³.

The density of pyrite is calculated by dividing the mass (10 grams) by the volume (2 cm³), resulting in a density of 5 g/cm³. The formula for density is density = mass / volume. By substituting the values, we get:

Density = Mass / Volume = 10 g / 2 cm³ = 5 g/cm³

Therefore, the correct answer is C. 5 g/cm³. Pyrite's density can help distinguish it from gold based on this calculation.