Making Measurements Lab
Directions:
For this lab, you will rotate between stations to collect data for mass, volume, temperature and
length. You will be given approximately 15 minutes at each lab station, so you MUST work diligently
in order to get through all of the stations in a timely manner.
Mass Station:
Take the mass of the empty beaker labeled NaCl (Sodium Chloride) and record the value in the data
table. Next, pour the NaCl into the correct beaker and take the mass of both the beaker and the
NaCl. Record this in the data table. Repeat each measurement three times to be sure you are
accurate. Last, Determine the mass of the Sodium Chloride by itself by using the following formula:
mass of beaker and sodium chloride MINUS mass of beaker
Data Table 1: Mass of Sodium Chloride
Mass of Beaker
and Sodium
Chloride (g)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Mass of Beaker
(g)
Mass of Sodium Chloride (g)
(Mass of beaker and sodium chloride MINUS
mass of beaker)
Your average in g=_______ Your average in kg=_________ Your average in mg=_____________
Repeat the same steps for Data Table 2, except use Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) instead of
NaCl.
Data Table 2: Mass of Sodium Bicarbonate
Mass of Beaker and
Sodium Bicarbonate (g)
Mass of
Beaker
(g)
Mass of Sodium Bicarbonate (g)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Your average in g=__________ Your average in kg=_______ Your average in mg=________
Volume Station:
Fill the graduated cylinder to approximately 70mL and record the ACTUAL volume in the data table.
Next, drop object 1 into the graduated cylinder and calculate the volume using the displacement
method (CAUTION: DO NOT SPLASH ANY WATER OUT OR THE MEASUREMENTS WILL BE OFF!).
Last, dry off each object before beginning a new trial.
Data Table 3: Measuring Volume of Object 1 by Liquid Displacement
Volume of Water Only Total Volume of Object
(mL)
and Water (mL)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Volume of Object (mL)
Your average in mL=________ Your average in L=________ Your average in cL=__________
Data Table 4: Measuring Volume of Object 2 by Liquid Displacement
Volume of Water Only Total Volume of Object
(mL)
and Water (mL)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Volume of Object (mL)
Your average in mL=__________ Your average in L=___________ Your average in kL=__________
Length and Temperature Station
For each object, use the ruler (NEVER USE INCHES) to determine the volume. Measure length,
width and height to one decimal place.
Data Table 5: Chemistry Text Book
Length (cm)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Volume (cm3)
Your average in cm=___________Your average in m=__________ Your average in km=_________
Data Table 6: White Board
Length (cm)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Volume (cm3)
Your average in cm=___________Your average in m=__________ Your average in km=_________
To measure temperature, use the thermometer provided and measure to one decimal. Always use
Celsius.
Data Table 7: Temperature of Water
Data Table 8: Temperature of Salt Water
Temperature
Temperature
(Celsius)
(Celsius)
Trial 1
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 3
Average
Average
Analysis and Conclusion: (Construct all graphs on graph paper
1. Create a bar graph using the data from the three calculations of the mass of sodium chloride.
2. Create a line graph using the data from the three calculations of the mass of sodium bicarbonate.
You can use the back of the graph paper.
3. Why could your measurements for volume be slightly inaccurate?__________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.
4. Why do we need to take at least 3 trials in science?_____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.
5. What did you gain from this lab?____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.
6. How could this lab be improved?____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.