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Name:
Partner(s):
Date:
Lab 1: Lab Techniques: Measurement & Density
DATA
TABLE 1: Data collected from experiments
Groups of
Pennies
mass
(g)
diameter
(mm)*
height
(mm)
initial water
volume (mL)
final water
volume (mL)
5 pennies
10 pennies
15 pennies
20 pennies
*should be the same value for all data points, because diameter will not vary.
CALCULATIONS
TABLE 2: Volume by Linear Measurement
Groups of
Pennies
V=
𝟏
𝟒
πd2h
Calculated Volume (mm3cm3)
d = m/V
Density (g/cm3)
(use mass from data
table)
Percent error (%)
5 pennies
10 pennies
15 pennies
20 pennies
Accepted Density: 7.13 g/cm3
TABLE 3: Volume by Displacement
Groups of
Pennies
Displacement Volume (mL)
5 pennies
10 pennies
15 pennies
20 pennies
Accepted Density: 7.13 g/mL
d = m/V
Density (g/mL)
(use mass from data
table)
Percent error (%)
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS (these can be handwritten if you prefer)
ANALYSIS
1. By comparing to the accepted value for density of pennies to your calculated values, which method: measured
dimensions or displacement, gives a more accurate measurement of the density of the penny? Give a possible
explanation. Hint: Consider the shape of a penny.
2. Consider your percent error for each group of pennies. Do you notice any relationship between group size and
percent error? Explain your observation and provide a possible explanation for the relationship.
3. Using excel, create a graph to show the relationship between volume and mass. When entering your data, the first
column should be volume and the second should be mass, so that Volume should be plotted on the horizontal or
X-axis and Mass should be plotted on the vertical or Y-axis. Be sure to select the proper axes, origin and intervals
and to title your graph and each axis. Allow excel to generate a best-fit line through the points. Determine the
slope of the line. In this case, the best straight line should also pass through the point (0,0).
4. The value of the slope should be familiar to you by now! Explain the significance of the slope of the line. (HINT:
Slope is ∆Y/∆X. Which variables are on the Y-axis and on the X-axis?)
5. Why does the line on your graph pass through the origin (point 0,0)?
6. Is density an intensive or extensive property of matter? Explain the reasoning for your answer using data to
support your answer. If your data does not support your answer, provide an explanation for what might have gone
wrong.
7. What extensive properties of matter did you measure in the lab?