Density Lab Pre-Lab
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE PRE-LAB IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LAB.
1. Read all of the procedures below and create a flow-chart of the procedures. A flow-chart shows
the steps of the lab using small sketches in a sequential order. For example, for procedure #1,
you might sketch a graduated cylinder on a scale.
2. What is the formula for density?
3. How will you find the volume of the water?
4. How will you find the mass of the water? Write the calculation below.
5. How will you find the mass of the metal?
6. How will you find the volume of the metal? Write the calculation below.
7. How will you calculate the density of the metal?
8. If a piece of metal has a mass of 13.443g and a volume of 3.45mL, what is its density?
(Remember units and sig figs).
Density Lab
PURPOSE: To review the concept of density and use of common lab equipment; to execute a procedure
to identify unknown substances.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Determine the density of classroom tap water.
2. Determine the density and possible identity of an unknown metal.
HYPOTHESIS: An unknown substance can be identified based on its density.
MATERIALS: Samples of: 1 unknown metals; graduated cylinder; scale
PROCEDURE:
1. Mass an empty and dry graduated cylinder. Record its mass.
2. Fill the graduated cylinder with about 20 mL of water. Record the volume.
3. Mass the graduated cylinder plus the water. Record its mass.
4. Mass unknown metal 1. Record its mass.
5. Fill a graduated cylinder with about 30mL of water. Record its volume.
6. Place the unknown metal in the graduated cylinder with water. Record the new volume.
DATA (make sure to record with correct units and sig figs)
*Show work for all starred data
1
Mass of Graduated cylinder
2
Mass of GC + Water
3* Mass of water
4
5*
Volume of water
Density of water
6
7
8
9*
Mass of unknown metal 1
Initial volume (water without metal 1)
Final volume (water + metal 1)
Volume of metal 1
10* Density of metal 1
ANALYSIS
1. Calculate the percent error for the density of water (density of water = 1.00g/mL)
2. Determination of unknown metal 1
3. Calculate the percent error for the density of unknown metal 1
CONCLUSION
1. Write a brief (4-5 sentence) conclusion. Restate the purpose of the lab. State whether or not your
hypothesis was correct and how this lab proved/disproved your hypothesis. List possible sources
of error and explain what your percent error means.