Golden Metal Identity

In terms of ascertaining the identity of the metals, I was capable of deducing a definite, possible identity for the golden metal, however, I could not provide a definite, possible identity for the silver metal. Conversely, the results of the experiment themselves, whether volume, mass, or density, proved insufficient in my attempts to distinguish the identities of the metals. Thus, during the experiment, I also observed the color of the metals, and used these observations in my assessment of the metals. The five trials for the golden metal produced an average density for all trials of 8.34 grams per cubic centimeter. [Processed Data Table: Density of the Golden Metal]. The golden metal itself, while referred to as golden during the experiment,
However, through previous knowledge, I knew that iron was silver in color, however the yellowish brown hue of brass more closely matched that of the metal. Thus, I decided that the “golden metal”, was actually brass. On the other hand, the silver metal was much more difficult. Faults in my group’s data for the silver metal [which will be enumerated in the paragraph to follow] made the task of differentiating the identity of the silver metal much more difficult. The five trials for the silver metal produced an average density for all trials of 5.90 grams per cubic centimeter [Processed Data Table: Density of the Silver Metal]. I decided that the metal must be zinc, as although it was similar in color to both aluminum [literature value: 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter] and zinc, I resolved that its density was closer to that of zinc’s, whose literature value is 7.1 grams per cubic
After careful review of the results and analysis of the execution of the lab, I have determined the following examination of errors that affected the outcome of my group’s lab. First and foremost, the golden metal [brass] trials appear to be free of major flaw. The density results of the golden metal trials are precise, all occurring between 8.1 and 8.7 grams per cubic centimeter [Processed Data Table: Density of the Golden Metal]. Also, the density average of all trials for the golden metal resulted in 8.34 grams per cubic centimeter, which is relatively accurate to the literature value of brass [8.5 grams per cubic centimeter] which is the metal it to be. In contrast, the errors in the experiment manifested themselves in the trials for the silver metal. Random error was apparent in the processed data for the densities of the silver metal trials: data ranged from a minimum of 4.7 grams per cubic centimeter to a maximum of 7.0 grams per cubic centimeter. [Processed Data Table: Density of the Silver Metal]. It is likely that these errors occurred due to different readings of the graduated cylinder by different people in the group, as me, Nick, and Ben took turns reading the graduated cylinder for each trial. As we had to read the cylinder two times per trial, once before placing the metals in the graduated cylinder, and once after, this led to two possible times for slightly-off readings. This resulted