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Unit 3 Section A: Properties of Petroleum Lab
Introduction
In this investigation, you will explore some of the physical properties of several petroleum-based materials. In
particular, you will measure the densities and relative viscosities of several materials separated from petroleum, as
well as the same properties of water. Viscosity is the term for resistance to flow. A material with high viscosity flows
slowly and with difficulty, like honey. A material with low viscosity flows readily, like water. You will determine
relative viscosities, which means ranking materials on a scale from most viscous to least viscous. You will determine if
there is a relationship between the number of carbons in a petroleum-based material and its density and viscosity.
Procedure
Appearance and State of M atter
1. Obtain test tubes containing water, mineral oil, kerosene, motor oil, and household lubricating oil, and a piece of
paraffin wax and a piece of asphalt.
2. Record the physical state of matter of each sample in Data Table 1.
3. Describe the appearance of each sample in Data Table 1.
Relative Viscosity
1. With your thumb on the cap, hold the capped tube containing water upside down until the bead inside is in the
cap of the tube.
2. Gently turn the tube horizontally (the bead will stay at one end).
3. Quickly turn the tube upright so that the bead is at the top and start the timer or stopwatch.
4. Stop the timer when the bead reaches the bottom of the tube.
5. Record the time needed for the bead to reach the bottom of the tube in Data Table 2.
6. Repeat Steps 1 – 5 two more times for water.
7. Repeat Steps 1–6 for each liquid, petroleum-based sample.
Density
Liquids:
1. Obtain the mass of each of the capped test tubes containing liquid and a bead. Record each mass in Data Table 3.
Solids:
1. Determine the mass of each piece of solid sample and record the mass in Data Table 3.
2. Determine the volume of each piece of solid sample by placing the solid in a graduated cylinder partially filled with
water. Record the initial volume and the final volume of water in Data Table 3.
Questions
1. In Data Table 2, rank your samples in order of relative viscosity, assigning number 1 to the least-viscous material
and number 5 to the most-viscous material.
2. Rank the materials (including water) from least to most viscous.
3. Propose a rule, based on your observations in this investigation, about the relationship between number of carbon
atoms in a substance and the viscosity of that substance.
Cont. on pg. 2
1 4. Calculate the density of each of the liquid and solid samples in Data Table 3. Show your work for all calculations.
5. Does the number of carbons in a hydrocarbon affect the density of that material?
Explain your response to question 5, using data collected in this lab:
6. In oil spills, the oil’s density plays a major role. Explain.
7. You should never use water to extinguish a gasoline or oil fire. Why not?
Data Table 1 – Appearance and State of M atter
M aterial
Mineral Oil
Carbon Atoms
per M olecule
12-20
Asphalt
More than 34
Kerosene
12-16
Paraffin Wax
More than 19
Motor Oil
15-18
Household Lubricating Oil
14-18
Physical State at
Room Temperature
Appearance
2 Data Table 2 – Viscosity M easurements
M aterial
Average Time (in sec) for bead
to fall
Relative Viscosity
W ater
Trial 1: _________________
Trial 2: _________________
Trial 3: _________________
Average: _________________
M ineral Oil
Trial 1: _________________
Trial 2: _________________
Trial 3: _________________
Average: _________________
Kerosene
Trial 1: _________________
Trial 2: _________________
Trial 3: _________________
Average: _________________
M otor Oil
Trial 1: _________________
Trial 2: _________________
Trial 3: _________________
Average: _________________
Household Lubricating Oil
Trial 1: _________________
Trial 2: _________________
Trial 3: _________________
Average: _________________
3 Data Table 3 -- Density M easurements
Average mass of capped tube + bead: _______________________________
Average volume of liquid: _______________________________
Liquid
M ass of Capped
Tube, Bead, and
Liquid (g)
Calculated M ass of
Liquid (g)
(show work)
Calculated Density
of M aterial (g/mL)
(show work)
M ass of Sample (g)
Volume of Sample
(mL)
Calculated Density
of M aterial (g/mL)
(show work)
Water
Mineral Oil
Kerosene
Motor Oil
Household Oil
Solid
Paraffin
Final Volume (mL): ____________
Initial Volume (mL): ___________
Vol. of Sample (mL): ___________
Asphalt
Final Volume (mL): ____________
Initial Volume (mL): ___________
Vol. of Sample (mL): ___________
4