Carlos Hilado Memorial State University

College of Engineering – Civil Engineering Department

1st Semester, AY 2023-2024

Experiment No. 1

Liquid Density

Submitted to:

Engr. Kaj Neil E. Ta-ala

Submitted by:

Group 5

Marcos,

Macariola,

Monteverde,

Pestaño, Ma. Lyn D.

Sendico,

January 16, 2024

Density is defined as the mass of the fluid that is contained in a unit volume. in actual

practice, density varies depending on pressure and temperature. It is measured in

kg/m3(SI). The specific gravity of a substance is a dimensionless quantity that is

defined as the ratio of its density or specific weight to that of a standard substance.

Objective

Objectives of the experiment:

1. To determine the specific gravity of the liquid using a hydrometer.

2. To determine the density of the liquid based on the specific gravity obtained

from the hydrometer reading.

Method

This experiment utilizes the hydrometer method. The hydrometer is used measure

how heavy a liquid with respect to water by providing an accurate determination of

the specific gravity of the liquid through the concept of buoyancy. The hydrometer is

immersed in a liquid and then left to float until equilibrium. Then readings obtained

are used to calculate the density of the liquid. This method covers the determination

of the density of fluids by means of a hydrometer at room temperature. Calculation of

fluid density is based on the density of pure water at 4 C°.

Equipment Description

Hydrometer is an instrument that determines the specific gravity of a liquid using the

principle of buoyancy. It consists of a thin vertical stem at the upper portion and a
long bulb at the lower portion. The thin vertical stem has graduations for which data

readings are taken.

The bulbous bottom of the hydrometer allows it to float vertically using the principle

of buoyancy. The lower the liquid density, the lower the hydrometer will sink. Use

liquids that are within the range of the hydrometer otherwise it will sink to the bottom.

Materials

1. Hydrometer

2. Hydrometer Jar/Graduated cylinder

3. Fluid to fill up the graduated cylinder (water, oil, etc)

4.Thermometer

Preparation of Apparatus/Equipment

1. Clean the hydrometer with dishwashing soap.

2. Rinse with distilled water.

3. Sanitize with ethyl alcohol and wipe with lint free cloth.

4. Rinse the hydrometer with distilled water and let it dry.

Experiment Procedure

1. Pour the liquid slowly down the side of the hydrometer jar to avoid

formation of bubbles.

2. Stop when the liquid is near the brim of the jar.

3. Stir the liquid gently to remove the remaining air bubbles.

4. Carefully lower the hydrometer into the liquid by holding it at the top of its

stem. Release when it is stable. In order to remove excess bubbles, twist the

hydrometer before releasing, allowing it to spin.

5. Wait for the hydrometer to be in equilibrium and then take reading.

reading is based on the horizontal liquid level and not on the liquid touching

the stem of the hydrometer.

7. Remove the hydrometer from the liquid and immediately take a

temperature reading of the liquid.

Data Gathering Procedure

1. Tabulate all values for specific gravity for all trials.

2. Calculate the liquid density for each trial.

3. Calculate average density based on your data.

Presentation of Data

Fluid Used: Bonus Distilled Drinking Water

Trial Number S ρw ρf

(Specific Gravity of (Density of Water at (Density of Fluid,

Fluid) 4°C, g/cm3 g/cm3 ¿

1 0.9971

2 0.9970

3 0.9971

4 0.9968

5 0.9972

Average density: g/cm3

Average Density=∑ of densities ¿ all experiment performed ¿

Interpretation of Data / Narrative Report

Conclusion

This experiment aims to identify the density of different types of water which in

our case is the Bonus distilled drinking water. We want to test if it is equal to the

standard density of pure water which is 1 g/cm³. Based from our results,we didn’t get

the exact value of 1 g/cm³ for the density of water but it is close enough to the

standard density of water. Additionally, the precision of data from the trials are on

point, so we can say that our data is reliable. In this case, we conclude that the

brand, impurities and other factors may affect slightly the density of the water.

Moreover, we learned how to use the hydrometer and read the specific gravity of the

water from which the density is computed. Overall, the experiment was a success

and the concepts of density are further analyzed.

Appendices
Appendix A: Calculations

Calculation of Fluid Density of Wilkins Pure in Each Trial

Density of fluid = specific gravity x density of water at 4˚C

Trial 1 Trial 4

ρ f = (s)( ρw ) ρ f = (s)( ρw )

= =

= g/cm3 = g/cm3

Trial 2 Trial 5

ρ f = (s)( ρw ) ρ f = (s)( ρw )

= =

= g/cm3 = g/cm3

Trial 3

ρ f = (s)( ρw )

= g/cm3

Calculation of Average Fluid Density

Average Density=∑ of densities ¿ all experiment performed ¿

= g/cm3
Appendix B: Documentation during the Laboratory Experiment