Experiment: Density Columns
Year 8 Chemistry
“Anyone can stack blocks, boxes, or books, but only those with a steady hand and a little
understanding of chemistry can stack liquids.”
Aim: Investigate the relative density of various liquids found around the home.
Materials:
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Honey
Corn Syrup
Dish Soap
Water
Vegetable oil
Rubbing alcohol
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Measuring cylinder
Safety board
Safety Glasses
Test tubes
Test tube rack
Optional: Objects such as rubber stoppers, metal bolts, corks and plastic beads to be
dropped into the density column once it is complete.
Method
1. Use a test tube to collect 20ml of each liquid. Place these test tubes in the test
tube rack.
2. Place your measuring cylinder onto your safety board.
3. Slowly pour these liquids, one at a time, into the measuring cylinder to create
your density column.
4. Observe the density column as the liquids rearrange themselves into layers –
write down what you see.
Results:
What did you observe when your density column was complete?
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Analysis Questions:
Explain your results using what you know about density
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Write down the liquids in order of most to least dense (bottom to top)
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Use your knowledge of density to explain how hot air balloons work.
Hint: Heating a gas makes it less dense
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