Name: ___________________________________________
Period: __________________
Density Lab
Purpose:
To calculate the density of a penny. To review data charts and graphing.
Background:
Density = ____________
Definition:
Materials:
1. 6 pennies
2. triple beam balance
3. Styrofoam cup
4. graduated cylinder
5. water from your student sink
Variables:
Independent –
Dependent –
Procedure: YOU MUST CREATE A DATA CHART TO ORGANIZE ALL OF YOUR DATA.
You will have to decide how to do this. Work with your group.
MASS:
1. Weigh one penny on a triple beam balance. Record mass on data chart.
2. Keeping the first penny on the balance, add a second penny. Record mass of the 2 pennies
together.
3. Repeat with the next 4 pennies. Record all masses.
You will have 6 data entries for mass.
VOLUME:
4. Fill up the graduated cylinder with 50 mL of water. Record this volume.
5. Place all 6 pennies in the graduated cylinder. Slide them down the side instead of just
dropping them in. If you do that the glass could break. Record volume with 6 pennies.
6. Find the volume of 1 penny. Record this data.
You will have volume of 6 pennies, starting volume (50mL), the difference in volumes, the
volume of 1 penny. That is 4 data entries for volume.
7. Calculate the density of 1 penny from your data.
Calculation of density for 1 penny:
Graphing:
Graph the data for your 6 pennies.
x Axis variable –
y Axis variable –
Title of the graph –
What is the density of the penny based on your graph?
How does the calculated density compare to the graphed density? Show proof or evidence.