Density Lab
Chem. I
Name ___________________
Date ___________________
Period ___________________
Lab Partner _______________
Purpose: While practicing safe lab behavior, you collect data for use in determining
density of several substances.
Materials: water, 100 mL plastic graduated cylinder, 50 mL glass graduated cylinder,
wood block A and B, metric ruler and metal object.
Procedure:
Density of water
1. Measure the mass of an empty 50 mL glass graduated cylinder. Record that value.
2. Fill the cylinder with exactly 10mL of H2O and find the mass of the water filled
cylinder. Record that value.
3. Repeat step 2 (increasing the volume of H2O by 10 mL until you have measured
the mass of the cylinder and 50 mL of H2O.
Volume of H2O
Mass of cylinder / H2O
A(g)
0.0 mL
10 mL
20 mL
30 mL
40 mL
50 mL
Mass of H2O
0g
4. Pour the water into the trough and dry the cylinder.
5. Make a graph of the density of water. The y-axis is labeled with mass of the liquid
and the x-axis is labeled with the volume of the liquid. Follow the rules of good
graphs. Choose 2 data points that fall on the best fit line and calculate the slope.
Density of a regularly shaped object (wood blocks)
1. Using a metric ruler, measure the length, width, and height of each wood block (A
and B). Read the ruler to the first uncertain number. Record all value.
2. Measure and record the mass of each block.
Wood Block A
Length (cm)
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Mass (g)
Volume (cm3)
Wood Block B
Length (cm)
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Mass (g)
Volume (cm3)
3. Calculate the density of each block. Show all work. (sig figs and scientific
notation)
Density of an irregularly shaped object (metal cylinder)
1. Choose 1 metal cylinder to work with.
2. Measure and record the mass of the metal cylinder.
3. Fill the 100 mL plastic cylinder approximately 1/3 full of water. Read and record
the exact volume in mL. Read the cylinder to 1 decimal place.
4. Slide the metal cylinder into the graduated cylinder.
5. Read and record the final volume in mL. Read the cylinder to 1 decimal place.
Mass of metal (g)
Initial volume of
water (mL)
Final volume of
water (mL)
Volume of water
displaced (mL)
6. Remove metal and pour out the water.
7. Calculate the density of the metal and using the provided table (check web site),
identify the metal. Show all work. (sig figs and scientific notation)
Identity of metal ________________ Color description of metal: _________________
Calculations: