3. Precious Metals

Part A: What can you conclude about the most precious metal?

• The idea of what is the most precious metal has changed over time.
• The appearance of a metal determines whether it is the most precious.
• The most precious metal is as valuable to us now as it was in the past.
• The most precious metal can help us detect other precious metals.

Part B Read paragraph 8 below. Click the sentence that best supports the correct answer to Part A.

• That depends on your moment in history!
• So what is the most precious metal of all?
• Right now, one possibility is californium.
• Not only is this metal rare, but it breaks down after a few years!
• However, as long as it exists, it has high value.

Which piece of evidence supports the following claim? "The laws of supply and demand apply to everything we buy, including precious metals."

• 1. "These metals were known during the Stone Age." 

• "It is used for electrical contacts, in dental materials, and to hold bones in place while they heal."

• "The value of a metal can also depend on how valuable people perceive the metal to be."

Which piece of evidence supports the following claim? "People throughout history have set a high value on precious metals such

as gold and silver."

• 1. "These metals were known during the Stone Age." 

• "The value of a metal can also depend on how valuable people perceive the metal to be."

• "Indeed, people have often used these precious metals as money."

Which piece of evidence supports the following claim? "Platinum does, however, have many uses."

• 1. "These metals were known during the Stone Age." 

• "The value of a metal can also depend on how valuable people perceive the metal to be."

• "Indeed, people have often used these precious metals as money."

• "The 'new' precious metals, including platinum and others, also fuel our high-tech economy."

Which is NOT a precious metal?

• gold

• silver

• prandinium

Some precious metals were used for currency.

• true

• false

Precious metals are basically worthless.

• true

• false

Which precious metal is used in smart phones?

• gold

• silver

• platinum

What has been a precious metal for thousands of years?

• gold

• platinum