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Capstone: Identifying a Metal from Measured Data

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Combining a mass measurement, a volume measurement, correct significant-figure handling, and dimensional analysis lets a chemist calculate a sample's density and use it to identify an unknown metal.

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Reporting the density calculation as 10.5111 g/mL, straight off the calculator display, silently claims a precision the one-decimal-place cylinder readings and the balance never supported — rounding to significant figures is not a cosmetic last step, it is the honest report of what the measurements actually justify.