Scribd
Upload
9 views

Density Lab

science!!

Uploaded by

Genesis St Jean
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views

Density Lab

science!!

Uploaded by

Genesis St Jean
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

CHEMISTRY LAB: DENSITY

WHAT TO TURN IN:


Hypothesis, Data Table, Calculations, Error Analysis, Conclusion, Questions #1-6

OBJECTIVES
• To measure the mass and volume of samples of two different metals
• To calculate the density of unknown metals
• To compare calculated values with the standard densities.

INTRODUCTION
Mass is a measurement of the amount of matter in a sample, while volume is a measurement
of the space occupied by a sample of matter. Mass measurements are made on different types of
balances. An electronic balance is commonly used because it gives fast results on a digital display.
Volume measurements are made in different ways depending upon the physical state of the
sample being measured. The volume of a liquid is commonly measured in a graduated cylinder. The
surface of the liquid curves upward where it contacts the cylinder walls. This curved surface is called
a meniscus. Measurement of volume in a graduated cylinder is always made by reading the mark at
the bottom of the meniscus with the eye positioned at the level of the liquid surface.
The volume of a solid may be calculated from its dimensions (LxWxH), if the solid is regular
and free of air space. However, if the solid is irregular or contains air space, its volume must be
determined in another way, such as by water displacement.

PROCEDURE
1) Write a hypothesis. (How do you think the metal samples will differ in density?)
2) Obtain clean, dry samples of three different metals. In the data table, write the letter of which
unknowns you have, as they correspond to the answer key.
3) Measure the mass of each metal, using the maximum number of decimal places allowed by
the balance. Record in Data Table.
4) Measure the volume of each metal separately:
a) Fill a graduated cylinder halfway with sink water.
b) Tap out any air bubbles.
c) Record initial volume to one decimal place
(0.1 mL) in Data Table.
d) Tilt the cylinder gently and slide the metal into it.
It must be submerged.
e) Tap out any air bubbles.
f) Record final volume to one decimal place (0.1 mL)
in Data Table.
5) When finished, carefully pour out the water and metal into your hand. Dry the metal samples
and put them back in their original containers.

CALCULATIONS
1) Calculate the volume of each of the metals you tested:
VOLUME of metal = (FINAL VOLUME) – (INITIAL VOLUME) in mL
2) Calculate the density of each metal by DENSITY = MASS/VOLUME.
Use the proper units and sig.figs.
3) Record the standard density, given by the teacher, of the unknowns that you had.
Calculate percent error of each:

% ERROR OF YOUR LAB GROUP = | STANDARD – GROUP DENSITY | x 100


STANDARD
Hypothesis-How do you think the metal samples will differ in density?
-The metal samples will differ in density depending on its, shape, mass, and size

DATA TABLE: MASS, VOLUME, DENSITY 8-5-2024


DATE:____________

marble
METALalluminum
____ METAL _____ METAL unknown
_____
mass (g) 33.12g
___________ 19.81g
___________ 111.43g
___________
initial volume of water (mL) ___________
50ml 50ml
___________ 50ml
___________
final volume of water (mL) 63ml
___________ 58ml
___________ 60.05ml
___________
volume of metal (mL) 13ml
___________ 8ml
___________ 10.05ml
___________
density of metal (g/mL) 2.g/ml
___________ 2.5g/ml
___________ 11g/ml
___________

standard density values


(g/mL) from teacher: 2.7g
___________ 2.37
___________ unknown
___________

lab group percent error 25.9


___________ 5.6
___________ ?
___________

QUESTIONS
1) Why does a pure substance always have the same density? because they both depend on mass
2) What was the unit of mass used in this lab? grams
3) What was the unit of volume used in this lab? milliliters
4) Describe how water displacement works. water displacement is another way to find volume
5) What is a meniscus? the curve in a liquid
6) Can density be used as identification for substances in lab? Why or why not?
yes because all items have different densities.

You might also like