Name: ______Date: ______

Partner(s): ______Class: ______Ms. Towle

Purpose:

The purpose of this lab is to investigate the densities of different liquids and solids. You will be able to predict the order of liquids in the density column based on the formula for calculating density. Using the density formula () you will also determine the density of the solids and predict the location each solid will take in the density column.

Materials:

1 50 mL graduated cylinder 3 10 mL graduated cylinders Balance

Colored salt water Alcohol wooden blocks

Vegetable Oil assorted solid items (sphere, cube, cylinder)

Ruler

Procedure:

1. Label each 10 mL graduated cylinder using masking tape and a marker from A through C.

2. Find the mass of each empty graduated cylinder using the balance. Record each mass in the appropriate sections of the Liquids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

3. For each of the three liquids, add 10 mL to one of the 10 mL graduated cylinders. Record which liquids were added to the graduated cylinders in the appropriate sections of the Liquids Data Table.

4. Find the mass of each graduated cylinder and 10 mL of liquid using the balance. Record each mass in the appropriate sections of the Liquids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

5. Calculate the mass of each 10 mL of liquid by subtracting the mass of the empty graduated cylinder from the mass of the graduated cylinder and 10 mL of liquid. Record the results in the appropriate section of the Liquids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

6. Calculate the density of each liquid by dividing the mass of the liquid by the volume of liquid. Record the results in the appropriate section of the Liquids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

7. Using the density values, predict the order the liquids will “settle to” when poured into the graduated cylinder all together. Record this prediction in the appropriate section of the Density Column Data (Predicted Results). Show Ms. Towle your predictions before proceeding to step 8.

8. Pour the liquids in to the 50 mL graduated cylinder in the order you have predicted, starting with the bottom layer and proceeding upwards. Record the actual order the liquids “settled to” in the Density Column Data (Actual Results). Show Ms. Towle your density column before proceeding to step 9.

9. Find the mass of the three different solids (1 sphere, 1 block & 1 extra) using the balance. Record the results in the appropriate section of the Solids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

10. Obtain the appropriate measurements for the three different solids (see the equations in step 11 to determine the measurements you need, in cm). Record the results in the appropriate section of the Solids Data Table. To calculate a radius you divide the diameter by 2. Record the results in the appropriate section of the Solids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

11.Calculate the volumes of the three solids using the following equations:

Volume of a cylinder: Volume of a cube: Volume of a sphere:

V=4/3 r3

Record the results in the appropriate section of the Solids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

12.Calculate the density of each solid by dividing the mass of the solid by the volume of solid. Record the results in the appropriate section of the Solids Data Table. Remember to include units with your values.

13.Predict where each solid will “settle to” in the density column. Record the results in the appropriate section of the Density Column Data. Show Ms. Towle your predictions before proceeding to the next step.

14.Drop each solid into the density column. Record the actual position the solids “settle to” in the Density Column Data.

Data and Results: Remember to record all numerical values using significant figures.

Liquids Data Table.

10 mL Graduated Cylinders / Mass of empty graduated cylinders / Type of liquid added / Mass of graduated cylinders + 10 mL of liquid / Mass of 10 mL of liquid / Density of each liquid.
A
B
C

Density Column Data and Results:

Prediction of liquid layers: Actual liquid layers:

Layer 1 Layer 1

Layer 2 Layer 2

Layer 3 Layer 3

Use an arrow to indicate your predictions and actual results of where the solids will settle to in the density column. Be sure to label each arrow with the corresponding solid.

Prediction of solids in liquid layers: Actual solids in liquid layers:

Layer 1 Layer 1

Layer 2 Layer 2

Layer 3 Layer 3

Solids Data Table

Object / Mass / Volume Measurements / Volume / Density
SPHERE / Diameter: ______
Radius: ______
Extra: ______/ Height: ______
Diameter: ______
Radius: ______
CUBE / Height: ______
Width: ______
Length: ______

Conclusions: {Type them in the box below. Be certain to answer your purpose.}

1. Why did each liquid settle in the order that it did?

______


2. How accurate were you with your predictions for the liquid layers and the locations of your solids?

______

If you were not accurate, why do you think this is?

______

3. If an unknown solid was dropped into your density column and landed at the top of layer 3, what would you predict it’s density to be?

______

Why?

______

If you knew its volume was 2 cm3, and you did not have a balance, what would you predict its mass to be?

______

How did you determine this?

______