Identify a metal based on its density

The goal of this exercise is for your group to identify the composition of a small metal object. You will make a series of measurements and calculate its density, together with an uncertainty. Then you will use that density to pick several possible materials from a table of metals.

Here are the devices you will have:

a small metal object of some simple shape
a scale
a ruler or meter stick

You should follow these steps:

measure the dimensions of your object (plus uncertainties)
measure the mass of your object (plus uncertainty)
make a neat table of the measurements
compute the volume of the object, and its uncertainty
compute the density of the object, and its uncertainty
find materials in the list of metals which have densities consistent with your measurement
write down the candidates, and indicate which one(s) you think are the most likely

The following values can be found at The Engineering Toolbox .

Metal Density (kg per cubic meter)
----------------------------------
Aluminum             2712
Beryllium            1840
Brass                8400 - 8700

Cobolt               8746
Copper               8930
Gold                19320

Iron                 7850
Lead                11340
Magnesium            1738

Mercury             13593
Nickel               8800
Platinum            21400

Plutonium           19816
Silver              10490
Steel                7850

Titanium             4500
Uranium             18900
Vanadium             5494