Density (plotting mass versus
volume)
Subject: Physics
Grade level : G 9 Core & 9 ASP
Teacher’s name:
Date:
Lab Report prepared by : Mrs.Sana Safyan
Physics Lab Instructor
Objective
Determine the density of given Metal by finding the relation between Mass and volume
(slope) through graph.
Introduction
Density of a substance is the mass of the substance divided by its volume.
It is given
mathematically as:

m
V
The unit of density is g/ml (or g/cm3), since the unit of mass is in gram, g, and the volume is in
ml or cm3.
Hypothesis
If you are given samples of the same metal with varying volumes, then the mass of each
sample can be calculated, and the ratio between these two variables will be equal; proving that
density is an intrinsic property.
Materials
The following materials are necessary for the completion of this lab:






Graduated Cylinder
30mL of Tap Water
Electronic Balance
Aluminum Cylinder small
Aluminum Cylinder big
Graph Paper
Procedure
The ensuing steps are those which we followed in our experiment:
A) Measure Mass
1. Place the block of Aluminum on electronic balance and record the mass in grams.
*Use the most accurate balance available.
2. Repeat step one using Aluminum Cylinder and note both values in table 1.
B) Measure Volume
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Fill the graduated cylinder with 30mL of tap water.
Gently release Aluminum block into the graduated cylinder.
Record the new water level
Subtract first water level measurement (30mL) from the latest measurement.
Record this calculation in table 1. It is the volume of the copper block.
Pour out water and Aluminum block.
Repeat steps 1-6 with Aluminum Cylinder
C) Calculate Density
1. The formula for density is D=M/V.
2. Calculate the density of each metal object.
Data and Observation
Table 1
Metal
Shape
Mass
g
Aluminum
Volume
Density
mL
g/mL
Cylinder
Block
Note: Each group can collect data of table 1 for Aluminum block and note 6 readings for
graph in Table 2.
Table 2
Metal
Mass
g
Table 1
readings
2
3
Aluminum
Volume
Density
mL
g/mL
Graph between Mass & Volume (sample
Result:
Slope of graph:__________________________
Actual density of Aluminum: 2.70 g/mL
Error: ____________
Conclusion
When we calculated the mass of samples of metal with different shapes and volumes, the ratio between
the two variables was approximately the same: proving that density is intrinsic.
Sources of Error
Some error could be corrected by using better equipment. For example, a graduated cylinder with
measurements of greater precision could be useful. Incorrect measurements also account for our percent
error.