Aleksza/Ruscher
NHHS-C-Chemistry
2013-14
Density of Solids Activity
Adapted from: Simple Physical Science Lab: Density of Irregular Objects
written by: Terrie Schultz • edited by: Donna Cosmato • updated: 4/25/2012
NAME:________________________________________________________MOD:____
PARTNERS:________________________________________________SCORE:___/15_
Finding Volume of Irregular Objects by Water Displacement
To find the density of an object, we must first find both the mass and the volume.
Mass can be determined by using a balance. The volume of square or
rectangular objects is easy to find by measuring the dimensions and multiplying
length x width x height. But how do you find the volume of irregularly shaped
objects?
We can determine the volume of irregular objects by using water displacement.
The volume of the object is equal to the volume of water it displaces. Liquid
volume can be translated into solid volume by the relationship 1 milliliter = 1
cubic centimeter, or 1 mL = 1 cm3. Measuring the volume of water displaced by
an object will tell us the volume of the object. We can use the balance to
determine its mass, and then calculate the density by dividing the mass by the
volume.
Density Science Lab Procedures
Materials:
Balance
Assorted metals sample
Beakers
10 & 100 mL graduated cylinders
Weigh Boats
MSDS for samples
Water
Paper towels
Density of a Solid: (water displacement method) EUREKA!
1. Determine the mass of each object to the nearest 0.1 gram.
2. Record the mass on the data sheet.
3. Fill the 100 ml graduated cylinder about half full with tap water.
4. Read the volume by looking at the bottom of the meniscus.
5. Record the starting volume to the nearest 0.1 mL.
6. Place the first object into the graduated cylinder. Tilt the cylinder and slide
the object in slowly so that it does not splash.
7. Record the ending volume to the nearest 0.1 mL
8. Remove the object by pouring the water into the sink, and dry it with a
paper towel. DO NOT LET THE OBJECTS GO DOWN THE DRAIN
9. Add more water to the cylinder and repeat for the other three objects.
10. Calculate the volume of each object and record on data sheet
11. Calculate the density of each object and record on data sheet
12. Compare your results with the table below and try and determine what the
metals are.
.
The Unknown Metal
Could Be:
Correct
Density
(g/mL)
Aluminum
Titanium
Steel
Iron
Brass
Copper
Lead
Zinc
2.7
4.51
7.63
7.86
8.1
8.96
11.4
7.14
Aleksza/Soltis
NHHS-C-Chemistry
Density Lab Data Sheet
2012-13
FORMULAS
% 𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 =
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 − 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞
∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞
Ending volume - starting volume = volume of object
Density = Mass/volume.
Density of a Solid Data Sheet: (2pts)
Sample
Mass of
Sample
(g)
Volume
Start H20 End H2O
of
Volume Volume
Sample
(ml)
(ml)
(ml)
A
B
C
SHOW CALCULATIONS HERE: (2pts)
Density
Of
Sample
(g/ml)
Name of
Sample
Answer the following questions:
1. What are the units used to express liquid volume? (1pt)
_____________________
2. What are the units used to express solid volume? (1 pt)
____________________________
3. What units are used to express mass?(1pt)
______________________________
4. What is the formula used to calculate density? (1pt)___________________________
5. What are the units for density?(1pt)__________________________________________
6. What is the method called to find the volume of irregularly shaped objects? (1pt)
________________________________________________
7. Which metal object had the greatest density? (1pt)_____________________________
8. Which metal object had the lowest density? (1pt)______________________________
9. What is your scientific conclusion from this activity? Use complete sentences! (3pts)