Float, Sink or ?????
Student Name __Amy Wilson______________________
Ed. 2520
Directions: Write your response to each question in the space provided after determining if the
ice in each beaker was observed to float, sink, or do another action. Be sure to
provide a written justification for your response.
1.
Using complete sentences, write the reason(s) why you feel you observed the ice to
interact differently with the fluid in each of the three beakers?
The ice interacted differently with each of the fluids in the beakers because the beakers contained varying
fluids. The different fluids in the beakers lead to the ice melting at different rates and sink or float on the
surface of the fluid.
2.
What fluids have you determined are in each of the beakers?
Beaker A __water_____________
Beaker B__vinegar______________
Beaker C __gel_______________
In the space provided, write using complete sentences, at least one justification for the
fluid you determined to be in each of the three (3) beakers.
My group decided that beaker A was, in fact, water because it was clear and had no distinct odor. We also
came to the conclusion that beaker B contained vinegar, mainly because it had an odor that resembled
vinegar. Finally, we decided beaker C had some sort of gel because the fluid was very dense and the ice fell
in the beaker at a much slower rate because of its consistency.
3.
Using the accompanying Density Chart of Common Substances found below and your
responses to Question #2, what numerical densities represent the fluids in Beakers A, B,
& C?
Beaker A _1.00 g/ml___________________
Beaker B_0.78 g/ml______________
Beaker C _> 1.10 g/ml_________________
Density of Common Substances
4.
Substance
Density (g/ml)
Cork
0.22 – 0.26
Pine (wood)
0.373
Ethanol Alcohol
0.78
Ice
0.917
Fresh Water
1.00
Mystery Fluid
>1.10
Slate (rock)
2.6 – 3.33
Using any reference resource(s) find, then write in the available space, a general
definition and arithmetic formula for DENSITY.
Definition: How much something of a set volume weighs.
Formula: Density = Mass/Volume
(d=m/v)
http://www.green-planet-solar-energy.com/definition-of-density.html
5.
Write in two (2) or more complete sentences, a general statement relating to the
interaction of solid materials whose density is greater than and less than of fresh water.
An object that has a density less than fresh water, the object will float. An object that has a density more
than fresh water, the object will sink.
6.
In two (2) or more complete sentences, compare your response to Question #5 to the
observations you made when cork, pine, and slate pieces were dropped into each of the
beakers having a different fluid. In this response, also give a reason(s) why your
Question #4 response does or does not agree with your observations.
In the experiment, the slate sank to the bottom in all three of the beakers filled with varying fluids because it
was denser than all three of the fluids given. Next, the cork floated when dropped in all three of the fluids
because it was less dense than the three fluids. This relates with my answer to number four because if we
were to follow through with the formula, the material’s mass per unit of volume is greater than the fluid, the
object sinks, and if it is less, it will float.
7.
Assignment:
● Complete Questions #1-#6.
● Design and provide a copy of a student response sheet for the observations,
definitions, and measurements made during this activity.
● In writing, make two (2) suggestions how one might improve this activity.
● Due Date _____________________________________
Two suggestions on how to improve this activity:
When putting the slate into
the beakers, it was too big of a piece, so if the pieces were cut down into smaller chunks, this
activity could be completed more smoothly. Also, the first group that went to observe the fluids
did not know they were not supposed to touch the beakers to see the fluids’ consistency. This
could be told to the class before anyone is sent up to observe the fluids so that everyone can
make similar observations.
Beaker A Beaker B Beaker C
Cork Above
7mm
2mm
8mm
Cork Below
3mm
3mm
6mm
Pine Above
1mm
0
1mm
Pine Below
1mm
3mm
1mm
Slate Below
19mm
25mm
n/a
Without Ice
Beaker Observations
A
-odorless
-clear
-resembles water
B
-has a smell that resembles vinegar
-clear
C
-clear
-appeared to be a much thicker consistency than the other two beakers
-it had few bubbles throughout
Adding the Ice
Beaker Observations
A
-The ice stayed afloat on the surface, but some of it was below, resembling an iceberg
-There were no bubbles present
-Ice melted rapidly
-The ice stayed floating near the side of the beaker
B
-Ice sunk in the beaker
-The ice stayed near the side of the beaker
-No bubbles were present
C
-Ice sunk in the beaker
-Ice fell slower than the ice in beaker B
-Ice rose back to the surface of the fluid
-The ice melted rapidly, and the water created a ring on the surface, as if it would not mix well with
the fluid in the beaker
Name:
Date:
Student Response Sheet
Density definition: _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Density formula: ______________________________________________________________
Observations:
Without Ice
Beaker
Observations
A
B
C
Once Ice is Added
Beaker
A
B
C
Observations
Student Response Sheet (cont’d.)
Experiment Data:
Beaker A Beaker B Beaker C
Cork Above
__mm
__mm
__mm
Cork Below
__mm
__mm
__mm
Pine Above
__mm
__mm
__mm
Pine Below
__mm
__mm
__mm
Slate Below
__mm
__mm
n/a