DO NOT WRITE ON THIS SHEET
Physics 20: Density of Wood
Purpose:
 To practice measuring accurately and precisely
 To use significant digits in calculations
 To practice preparing and analyzing graphs
Hypothesis: (Write what you think will happen to the density of the wood block as the volume of the block
increases)
Materials: List all materials you will need for the lab
Apparatus and Procedure: (Sketch a diagram showing the apparatus used and a brief explanation of the
procedure used in the activity. This should take up the rest of the first page of your lab write-up)
Observations: (Describe the wood blocks and any differences or similarities)
BLOCK
MASS (g)
LENGTH (cm) WIDTH (cm) HEIGHT (cm)
Analysis:
BLOCK
1


VOLUME (cm3)
DENSITY (g/cm3)
Prepare a graph of Mass vs. Volume. Include labels, symbols, units, and a title
What is the slope of the line of your graph?
i. Show your rise/run calculation on the graph
Sample Calculations: Show any calculations you used you used in the lab. Only show the work for one of
each equation. SHOW ALL YOUR UNITS!
Conclusion:
 Answer the purpose
 Check the hypothesis
 Reflect on what you have learned


Any questions?
Any real world applications?
Sources of Error: State at least three sources of error.
Post Lab Questions:
1. Why did I ask you to measure five blocks of wood instead of two? Three?
2. How many significant figures did you use in your measurements? Why?
3. What does the slope represent (Hint: What are the units of your slope?)
4. Y-intercept:
a. What is the value of the y-intercept?
b. What does the y-intercept represent
5. Equation
a. Use the equation y = mx + b to write an equation representing the mass of the block and the
volume.
b. Write a general equation that could apply to any group in the class. The numerical values in the
equation should be replaced with variables that represent the value.