Name: ________________________________
Block:____________
Density Lab
Density, a measure of the amount of material (mass) in a given space (volume), is
expressed as the ratio D = m/V. Differences in the densities of Earth’s matter are the basis
of many common processes. Wind, ocean currents, and plate tectonics are all driven by
differences in density.
In this lab, you will measure both mass and volume for regularly and irregularly
shaped objects and then use the data to calculate densities.
Procedures and Results:
Part A: Finding the Density of Regular Solids
1. Measure the mass of each object. Record it in the table.
2. Measure the dimensions of each object. Record.
3. Calculate the volume of each object using a formula. Record.
L x W x H = Volume of cube
3.14 x r2 x H = Volume of a cylinder
4. Calculate the density of each object using the formula D = m/V
Part A: Finding the Density of Regular Solids
Object
Mass (g)
Length
Width
Height
(cm)
(cm)
(cm)
Cube
Volume
(cm3)
Density
(g/cm3)
Rectangle
Cylinder
Part B: Finding the Density of Irregular Solids
1. Find the mass of 5 pieces of rock. Record.
2. Find the volume of those 5 pieces of rock using water displacement.
3. Find the mass of 10 pieces of rock. Record.
4. Find the volume of those 10 pieces of rock. Record.
5. Find the mass of 15 pieces of rock. Record.
6. Find the volume of those 15 pieces of rock. Record.
Rocks
Part B: Finding the Density of Irregular Solids
Mass (g) Volume of
Volume of water
water in
+ rocks in
cylinder (mL) cylinder (mL)
5 rocks
10 rocks
15 rocks
Volume of
rocks (cm3)
Density of
rocks
(g/cm3)
Analysis: Plot the density of the rocks on the graph below.
Mass (g)
Volume (cm3)
Conclusions:
1. The densities of the wooden objects should be the same (or at least close). Explain
why this is true.
2. Explain some potential sources of error that would explain why some densities are
not the same in your results.
3. Why is the volume of water measured in milliliters but the volume of the blocks
and rocks measured in cm3?
4. If you cut one of the wooden objects in half, would the density change? (Hint: Use
these values: mass= 100g and volume = 50cm3 and find the density. Now cut those
numbers in half and find the density again. What happens?)
5. The points you plotted should form nearly a straight line. Explain. (Note: the line
on your graph represents the density of the rocks).