Name: ____________________________________ Block #: _____________ Date: ____________________
DENSITY OF SOLIDS LAB
Equipment Needed:
Triple Beam Balance Scales
Electronic Scales
Graduated Cylinders
Density Specimens
Calculators
Water
Rulers
Purpose:
This lab emphasizes analytic measurements, experimental technique, and problem solving, in
determining measurements. You will determine the mass and the volume of given materials to find
their density: DENSITY = MASS / VOLUME
Volume of Rectangle = L x W x H
Method:
You will be placed into groups to perform this experiment. You will find your equipment at each of
your workstations. To find the density, you will need to measure mass and volume. If your
specimen has smooth, measurable sides, (like a block) measuring with a ruler to find the volume
will be the most accurate (V = L x W x H). Otherwise you will need to find the displacement of the
object to measure its volume. Be as accurate as possible.
Objective:
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Hypothesis (Which solid object do you think will be the densest and the least dense?):
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Results:
Specimen
Mass (g)
Volume (mL) or (cm3)
Density (g/mL) or (g/cm3)
Name: ____________________________________ Block #: _____________ Date: ____________________
Thought Questions:
(Use Complete Sentences!)
1) What is the definition of density? (you may use your textbook)
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2) The density of a large block of wood is __________________ a small block of wood. *TRICKY*
a. Greater than
b. The same as
c. Less than
3) Which one of the specimens you listed in your data table will float in a beaker of water and which
one will sink? EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING!! Density of Water = 1 g/mL
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SCRAP Section: