Lab: Comparison of Densities
Purpose: To determine the density of several materials and to find the % error.
Procedure for Determining Density: (more steps the better)
For liquids:
For solids:
Data (both quantitative and qualitative):
*This is where you write down your observations and measurements. Make sure your data is organized in data
tables.
Liquids:
Solids:
Calculations:
1. Determine the identity of each unknown liquid. Defend your answers, using your data. Show your work
for finding density.
Liquids
2. Determine your percent error for each unknown liquid.
% error = (experimental density – accepted density)
accepted density
x 100
3. Determine the identity of each unknown solid. Defend your answers
using your data. Show your work for finding density.
4. Determine your percent error for each unknown solid.
% error = (experimental density – accepted density)
accepted density
x 100
Vegetable oil
0.894 g/mL
Water
1.000 g/mL
Corn syrup
1.360 g/mL
Dish Soap
1.20 g/mL
Glycerin
1.173 g/mL
Ethanol
0.789 g/mL
Solids
Zinc
7.140 g/cm3
Copper
8.92 g/ cm3
Lead
11.35 g/ cm3
Aluminum
2.70 g/ cm3
Ice
0.9167 g/ cm3
Tin
7.31 g/ cm3
Silver
10.5 g/ cm3
Platinum
21.4g/ cm3
Analysis Questions: (answer in complete sentences)
1. What are the variables used in this experiment?
2. How would you find the volume of an irregularly shaped object that would dissolve in water?
3. Some students have determined the density of a substance to be 3.1 g/cm3. Based on what you have
learned, is this substance more likely to be a solid, a liquid, or a gas? Explain your reasoning.