A laboratory technician analyzes a uniform metal alloy sample with a mass of 160\text{ g} … — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

A laboratory technician analyzes a uniform metal alloy sample with a mass of $160\text{ g}$ and a volume of $20\text{ cm}^3$ . The sample is cut into Piece A ( $40\text{ g}$ ) and Piece B ( $120\text{ g}$ ), after which Piece B is transported to a high-altitude research station where gravitational pull is weaker. Which statement correctly describes the physical properties and behavior of these samples?

A
Cutting the original metal alloy represents a chemical change that alters the melting point and density of Piece A.
B
Piece B experiences a decrease in mass due to the reduced gravitational pull at the high-altitude facility.
Both pieces have an identical density of $8\text{ g/cm}^3$ , and Piece B maintains a constant mass of $120\text{ g}$ despite weighing less at high altitude.Answer
D
Piece B has a higher density than Piece A because density is an extensive property that increases proportionally with the mass of a sample.

Answer

Both pieces have an identical density of

8\text{ g/cm}^3

, and the larger piece maintains a constant mass of

120\text{ g}

despite weighing less at high altitude.

Density is an intensive property calculated as

\frac{160\text{ g}}{20\text{ cm}^3} = 8\text{ g/cm}^3

, which remains identical for any piece cut from the homogeneous alloy. Furthermore, mass is an intrinsic measure of matter that remains

120\text{ g}

anywhere in the universe, whereas weight decreases at higher altitudes due to reduced gravitational force.

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the density of the original metal alloy

\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} = \frac{160\text{ g}}{20\text{ cm}^3} = 8\text{ g/cm}^3

Density is defined as mass per unit volume.

Determine the density of the separated pieces

Both Piece A and Piece B retain a density of

8\text{ g/cm}^3

Density is an intensive physical property of uniform matter and does not change when a sample is divided.

Evaluate the effect of altitude and gravity on mass versus weight

Mass remains exactly

120\text{ g}

, while weight decreases.

Mass measures the amount of matter and is invariant with location, while weight (

W = mg

) depends directly on local gravitational acceleration.

Classify the separation process

Cutting is a physical change.

Dividing a material modifies physical dimensions but does not alter chemical bonds or intrinsic constants like melting point.

Key Concept

Density as an intensive physical property, physical vs. chemical changes, and mass vs. weight invariance under varying gravity.

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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