The density values in Table 12.1 are listed in increasing order. A chemistry student notices that the first four chemical elements that are included are also listed in order of increasing atomic mass.

(a) See whether there is a simple relationship between density and atomic mass by plotting a graph of density (in g/cm³) versus atomic mass for all eight elements in that table. (See Appendix D for their atomic masses in grams per mole.)

(b) Can you draw a straight line or simple curve through the points to find a €œsimple€ relationship?

(c) Explain why €œMore massive atoms result in more dense solids€ does not tell the whole story.

Table 12.1

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Densities of Some Common Substances Density (kg/m³)* Density (kg/m³)* Material Material 7.8 x 103 1.20 Air (1 atm, 20°C) Iron, steel 0.81 x 10 8.6 x 103 Ethanol Brass 0.90 x 103 8.9 x 103 Benzene Copper 0.92 x 103 10.5 x 103 Ice Silver 1.00 x 103 Water Lead 11.3 x 10 1.03 x 10 13.6 x 103 Seawater Mercury 1.06 x 10 19.3 x 10 Blood Gold Glycerine 1.26 x 103 21.4 x 103 Platinum 2 x 103 White dwarf star Concrete 1010 Aluminum 2.7 x 10 Neutron star 1018