Posted on 12/07/2013 9:10:46 AM PST by Kaslin
Although gold and tungsten have similar densities the resistance to an electric current are different enough to be measured reliably and accurately.
But gold plated tungsten would have the conductivity of gold as long as it has sufficient thickness.
Bullion silver, including certain coins, is.
Most coins minted for circulation are much less.
But then most coins minted for circulation — especially those which are well worn — are not likely to be fakes.
Any half competent freshman chemistry student could measure density and tell the difference between gold and tungsten.
http://www.businessinsider.com/china-tungsten-gold-2012-9
“But gold plated tungsten would have the conductivity of gold as long as it has sufficient thickness.”
This is not true...
“But gold plated tungsten would have the conductivity of gold as long as it has sufficient thickness.”
This is not true...
bg, I'm surprised. Will you please elaborate?
“Any half competent freshman chemistry student could measure density and tell the difference between gold and tungsten.”
You think? I believe that is false...
Tungsten is 0.36% less dense than gold. If a piece was made up of 1/2 each, the difference between that and a pure gold piece would be 0.18% in density.
Just curious: are you suggesting that one could measure the volume and weight and detect the difference?
Provident Metals and Apmex are very reputable dealers. Sealed monster boxes are the way to go.
“bg, I’m surprised. Will you please elaborate?”
When current flows through a material, with direct current it flows through the entire material. So if you had a plated coin, the outside material would have a resistivity and the inside would have a different resistivity.
ie; resistors in parallel. The equation is R total = R1 (times) R2, (divided by) R1 plus R2
You think? I believe that is false...
You're most like correct, babygene. Density = mass / volume. Here are typical density values.
Gold = 19.32 g/mL
Tungsten = 19.35 g/mL
So a gold-coated tungsten bar would have a density a bit below 19.35. Perhaps it would be 19.34.
A chemist just might catch that if he had a VERY precise massing device and a VERY precise volume device. Typical high school lab devices would not catch that small a difference.
And to make it even more confusing, not all scientists will agree on those given densities! There are fluctuations due to temperature, etc. Bottom line, forget density as a test here.
This has been addressed in the past. Here is an article about fake gold and how it is detected:
http://www.perthmintbullion.com/us/blog/blog/12-03-26/Fake_Bars_-_The_Facts.aspx
Understood.
I didn’t think of parallel resistors because of the “envelope” configuration.
Thank you very much!
Gold is and has always been a store of value. Not the greatest currency.
Boxes of 7.56, 12 ga and/or 45 ACP will be better “currency” in a SHTF scenario. Even 223 will be a great barter tool.
Any daily-use item will do. Razors, tampons toothpaste, coffee, chocolate, canned meat etc . . . Just look at post WWII Europe. People taking the train with silver and gold tableware into the country to trade for food.
Look into the trading value of cooking oil in any currency challenged economy. When you need to eat and protect your family, gold bars are the last thing you need to worry about.
2 gold coins or an AR15; which will keep you safer?
“Isn’t silver stamped 99.5?”
Some is .999 or .9999 (I believe Canada’s 1 oz. coin is “four nines fine”).
Mine's real.
I do think. That’s why I said it.
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