Experiment #3 / Unit 1

How Dense is it?

Introduction:

Density is a commonly studied property of matter. An object’s density tells you about the concentration of matter in that object. Something that is very dense will have a lot of matter (mass) in a small amount of space (volume). An object with low density will have less matter in the same amount of space. A cork will float on water because it is less dense than water. A helium-filled balloon will float upward because it is less dense than the surrounding air. Density is determined by taking a ratio of two common measurements: mass and volume. The mass of a substance is divided by its volume (d = m/v) so that we have an idea of how much “stuff” is in a certain amount of space. Usually these measurements are taken in grams and milliliters so that the calculated density is in g per mL (g/mL). However, other units of mass and volume are sometimes used. In this experiment, we will determine the densities of various liquids and solids. This will allow us to do the following:

  • Learn about the important concept of density.
  • Practice making correct measurements with the instruments.
  • Practice using significant figures to make correct calculations with our measurements.

Procedure:

  • Remember to read to the first estimated digit on all measurements. Concentrate on making measurements now - save calculations for later.Calculators can go home…..instruments can’t.

A.The Density of Water

1. Mass a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a balance.

2. Pour about 10.0 mL (measure and record the correct volume) of water in a 25 mL graduated cylinder. Add this to the flask and remass the flask. Obtain the mass by difference.

B.The Density of an Unknown Liquid

1. Obtain about 10 mL of an unknown liquid (your choice) in a small beaker and record the letter of the unknown.

2. Mass a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a #5 stopper in the top. Pour about 10.0 mL (measure and record the correct volume) of the liquid in a 25 mL graduated cylinder. Add this to the flask and remass the flask. Obtain the mass by difference. Return the unknown liquid to its container.

C. The Density of a Solid

1. Mass a dry solid of your choice: lead (fishing sinker), brass, steel, rubber, aluminum, glass (marble), vinyl plastic (grey), or polyethylene plastic (white).

2. Fill a 100 mL graduated cylinder about half full with water. Record the initial volume. Slide the solid into the graduated cylinder and record the new level of the meniscus.

D. The Density of a Penny

1. Obtain 10 pennies which are a set from either pre-1982 or post-1983.

Make sure that they are clean and dry.

2. Mass the set of pennies.

3. Obtain the total volume of the pennies by water displacement.

E.The Density of Wood

1. Obtain a piece of wood and measure its mass.

2. Measure the length, width, and height (thickness) with a ruler.

F.The Thickness of Aluminum Foil

1. Obtain a rectangular piece (approx. 10 x 20 cm) of aluminum foil. Measure the length and width in cm.

2. Fold the foil and mass on a balance.

3. The density of aluminum is 2.70 g/cm3. Using this information and your recorded data, you will be able to calculate the thickness of the aluminum foil.

G.Is My Ring Pure Gold?

1. Make appropriate measurements.

H.Will a Bowling Ball Sink?

1. Make appropriate measurements & test your prediction.

Data and Calculations:

A. The Density of Water

Data:Calculations:

  • mass of empty flask1. Mass of water
  • volume of water2. Density of water
  • mass of flask and water3. Find percent error for density

B.The Density of an Unknown Liquid

Data:Calculations:

  • mass of flask and stopper1. Mass of liquid
  • volume of liquid2. Density of liquid
  • mass of flask, stopper, and liquid3. Find percent error for density

C.The Density of a Solid

Data:Calculations:

  • mass of solid1. Volume displaced by solid
  • initial volume2. Density of solid
  • final volume3. Find percent error for density

D. The Density of a Penny

Data:Calculations:

  • pre-1982 or post-1983 set?1. Average mass of penny
  • mass of pennies2. Total volume displaced by pennies
  • initial volume3. Average volume of a penny
  • final volume4. Average density of a penny

5. Find percent error for density

E.The Density of Wood

Data:Calculations:

  • length, width, and height 1. Volume of block
  • mass of block2. Density of block

3. Find percent error for density

F.The Thickness of Aluminum Foil

Data:Calculations:

  • length and width of foil1. Thickness of foil
  • mass of foil2. Find the radius of an aluminum atom.
  • density of foil Determine the thickness of the foil in

atoms. Assume the atoms are stacked.

G.Is My Ring Pure Gold?

Data:Calculations:

  • you decide1. You decide

H.Will a Bowling Ball Sink?

Data:Calculations:

  • you decide1. You decide

Calculations and Questions:

  1. Ether floats on water and mercury sinks (See the figure ). State where the following would come to rest after being dropped into the graduated cylinder:

a. a diamond (d = 3.5 g/mL)

b. a platinum ball (d = 21.4 g/mL)

c. an oak ball (d = 0.65 g/mL)

d. a piece of wax (d = 0.90 g/mL)

2. Is the ring pure gold? Using your results, explain how you were able to reach a conclusive decision.

3. A rectangular jade block has a mass of 146.25 g and measures 10.00 cm by 3.00 cm by 1.50 cm. What is the density of the jade.

4. Find the thickness of a sheet of gold foil having a mass of 2.00 g and measuring 3.00 cm by 10.0 cm. The density of gold is 19.3 g/cm3.

Lab Report #1.3: (67 pts)

  • title page (1 pt)
  • abstract (7 pts)
  • procedure sheet (1 pt)
  • data and calculations (in order by sections) (23 & 27 pts respectively)

(Data shown in box format with generic headings, calculations worked beneath each table, label calculations, show work including equations and units, use your sig fig rules, do not need to show long divisions. Student produced examples will be shown in class.)

  • calculations and questions (#2-4 - show work) (8 pts)

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Chemistry I Cary Academy W.G. Rushin