Skip to main content
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 104

Calculate the value of the silver in the American Silver Eagle coin, assuming its thickness is uniform, given that it has a diameter of 41 mm, a thickness of 2.5 mm, a silver density of 10.5 g/cm3, and the approximate market price of silver is $0.51 per gram.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Convert the diameter and thickness of the coin from millimeters to centimeters to match the units of density. Remember that 1 cm = 10 mm.
Calculate the volume of the coin using the formula for the volume of a cylinder: \( V = \pi r^2 h \), where \( r \) is the radius and \( h \) is the height (thickness) of the cylinder.
Use the density formula \( \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \) to find the mass of the silver in the coin. Rearrange the formula to solve for mass: \( \text{Mass} = \text{Density} \times \text{Volume} \).
Calculate the mass of the silver in grams using the density of silver and the volume of the coin obtained in the previous steps.
Determine the value of the silver in the coin by multiplying the mass of the silver by the market price per gram of silver.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Volume of a Cylinder

The American Silver Eagle coin can be approximated as a cylinder, where the volume is calculated using the formula V = πr²h. Here, r is the radius (half the diameter), and h is the height (thickness). Understanding how to calculate the volume is essential for determining the amount of silver in the coin.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:35
Constant-Volume Calorimetry

Density and Mass Relationship

Density is defined as mass per unit volume (density = mass/volume). By knowing the density of silver and the volume of the coin, one can calculate the mass of silver in the coin. This relationship is crucial for converting the volume of silver into a tangible mass value.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:56
Density Concepts

Market Price of Silver

The market price of silver is the cost per gram of silver in the market. To find the total value of the silver in the coin, the mass of silver calculated from the previous concepts is multiplied by the market price. Understanding this concept allows for the final valuation of the silver content in the coin.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:51
Gas Stoichiometry Calculation Example