Density Lab
NAME ______________________
Purpose: To calculate density of a solid and liquid using a series of measurements
Background Info: The study of chemistry often requires the use of quantitative data and then the
comparison of that data with data from other sources. Two of the most commonly used comparisons are
that of density and specific gravity. Density is the amount of matter a volume of material contains and is
expressed in mass per unit volume (generally grams per cubic centimeter.) It can be found for both
solids and liquids. D = M/V
PROCEDURE:
 Always read the meniscus of the liquid.
 HINT: 1 cm3 ~ 1 mL
 FIND a station with a bucket then follow the directions for each separate part below.
PART 1 – Density of a solid
1. Obtain a 50 or 100 ml graduated cylinder. Fill it approximately half full with tap water and record
the volume on the data table.
2. Obtain an unknown metal from the teacher and mass the sample of metal received using the triple
beam balance/electronic balance and record.
3. Add the metal sample to the water in the cylinder VERY CAREFULLY. The metal will displace
water in the cylinder.
4. Record the volume in the graduated cylinder to the nearest .0 ml.
PART 2 – Density of water
1. Mass a 250 ml beaker on a triple beam balance/electronic balance and record. Leave the beaker on
the balance for this portion of the procedure.
2. While the beaker remains on the triple beam balance, add a mass of 50 g to the beam balance by
MOVING THE MASSES on the beams.
3. Add distilled water from the wash bottles to the beaker until the balance zeros out. You may need to
refill the wash bottle with distilled water. Ask your teacher where the distilled water resides.
4. Transfer the water from the 250mL beaker which is still on the beam balance into a graduated
cylinder and record the volume to .0 ml. Be smart when measuring!
5. Record the temp of the water using a thermometer.
PART 3 – Density of unknown liquid
1. Repeat steps one through four from Part 2 above using an unknown liquid provided in place of
distilled water.
2. CLEAN your dirty glassware using SOAP and WATER. The unknown liquid may linger if you do
not use SOAP and WATER and scrub. Place CLEAN glassware on the rear cart for restocking.
Density Lab Data
NAME______________________
Devise a purpose (in a complete sentence) and record below.
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Part 1: Density of an unknown solid.
Mass of unknown metal
Volume of water and metal
Volume of water in cylinder
Volume displaced by metal
Density of solid
(g/ml)
Identity of solid
use table
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Part 2: Density of water.
Mass of beaker containing water
___________________________
Mass of empty beaker
___________________________
Mass of water (subtract)
___________________________
Volume of water
___________________________
Density of water (g/mL)
___________________________
Temperature of water
___________________________
Look up the density of water for the temperature you recorded using the reference located at the front.
Actual density of water
___________________________
Calculate the percent error
___________________________
% Error = | (Observed density – actual density) |
|
actual density
|
X 100
Part 3: Density of unknown liquid
Mass of beaker containing liquid
___________________________
Mass of empty dry beaker
___________________________
Mass of unknown liquid (subtract)
___________________________
Volume of liquid
___________________________
Density of liquid
___________________________
Look up the density of different materials using the reference located at the front.
Identity of liquid
___________________________
Draw a conclusion by recalling the intended purpose. Make sure to write in complete sentences.
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