Making Cents of Math: Linear Relationship between Weight and Quantity
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
NEW THETFORDSHIRE, March 10: Coin collector Clark Esposito thought it was his lucky day when a stranger entered his shop with a plastic sleeve full of rare, mint 1877 indian head pennies. The seller, Zeus Duncan, said he had kept the coins in a locked safe since they were given to him by his father 20 years ago. However, Mr. Esposito’s lucky day soon turned into a lucky break for police investigating a counterfeiting ring operating in the city.
Objectives
- Identify counterfeit coins based on the characteristic property of density.
- Model data using a linear equation.
- Interpret the slope and intercept values from a linear model.
- Identify a characteristic property of a substance.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.