Density Laboratory Activity
By Chris DiTata, Cleon Cato, and John Kourtelis, Class of 2000

Purpose: To learn and practice techniques and calculations necessary for determining the volume and density of a substance and record it using the correct number of significant digits.

Suggested Materials: centimeter ruler, laboratory balance, graduated cylinders, beakers, safety glasses, tap water, two additional liquids, section of a glass rod, small metal objects, wood blocks

Skills Required:

Vocabulary Required:

Pre-lab Discussion: The Density Determination lab activity is an introductory lesson in this chemistry course. This lab is the class's first exposure this year to density, a concept which is necessary to the understanding to much of the coming material in this course. Although the skills needed for this lab are relatively easy, if one does not grasp these skills he will most likely struggle through the year. This lab activity is a chance for students to sharpen the skills listed above.
    

Hints and Tips:

1) All objects must be fully submerged when using the "water displacement method".
2) If a solid substance is soluble in water, another liquid may be substituted when using the "water displacement method".
3) Use a smaller graduated cylinder whenever possible regarding the measurement of a substance's volume. The smaller a graduated cylinder is, the more accurate your measurement can be.
4) Density of water is 1.00 g/cm³.
5) Rust is a source of error when calculating density of metals.
6) Remember to mass all objects only when dry.

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Please forward all questions, comments and criticisms to Gregory L. Curran.
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Last Modified February 07, 2008