Measuring Density

Experiment 1: Measuring the Density of Regularly Shaped Objects

The aim of this experiment is to determine the densities of regular objects by using measurements of their
dimensions

Variables:
• Independent variable = Type of shape / volume
• Dependent variable = Mass of the object
Equipment List

Resolution of measuring equipment:

• 30 cm ruler = 1 mm
• Vernier calipers = 0.01 mm
• Micrometer = 0.001 mm
• Digital balance = 0.01 g
Method

• Place the object on a digital balance and note down its mass
• Use either the ruler, Vernier calipers or micrometer to measure the object’s dimensions (width, height,
length, radius) – the apparatus will depend on the size of the object

• Repeat these measurements and take an average of these readings before calculating the density.

An example of a results table might look like this:

Analysis of Results
Calculate the volume of the object depending on whether it is a cube, sphere, cylinder (or
other regular shape)

Calculating the volume of an object depends on its shape

Your notes
Remember to convert from centimeters (cm) to meters (m) by dividing by 100
1 cm = 0.01 m 50 cm = 0.5 m
Using the mass and volume, the density of each can be calculated using the equation:

Where:
ρ = density in kilogram per meters cubed (kg/m3)
m = mass in kilograms (kg)
V = volume in meters cubed (m3)
 Experiment 2: Measuring the Density of Irregularly Shaped Objects

The aim of this experiment is to determine the densities of irregular objects using a displacement
technique
Variables:
Independent variable = Different irregular shapes / mass
Dependent variable = Volume of displaced water
Method

Apparatus for measuring the density of irregular objects

1. Place the object on a digital balance and note down its mass
2. Fill the eureka can with water up to a point just below the spout
3. Place an empty measuring cylinder below its spout
4. Carefully lower the object into the eureka can
5. Measure the volume of the displaced water in the measuring cylinder
6. Repeat these measurements and take an average before calculating the density
 Alternatively, the object can be placed in a measuring cylinder containing a known volume of liquid, and
the change in volume then measured

When an irregular solid is placed in a measuring cylinder, the level of the liquid will rise by an amount
equal to the volume of the solid.

Once the mass and volume of the shape is known, its density can be calculated

An example of a results table might look like this:

Analysis of Results

• The volume of the water displaced is equal to the volume of the object.
• Once the mass and volume of the shape are known, the density can be calculated using:
 Experiment 3: Measuring Density of Liquids
The aim of this experiment is to determine the density of a liquid by liquid by finding a difference in its mass

Variables:
Independent variable = Volume of water added
Dependent variable = Mass of cylinder
Method

Apparatus for determining the density of a liquid

Method
1. Place an empty measuring cylinder on a digital balance and note down the mass
2. Fill the cylinder with the liquid and note down the volume
3. Note down the new reading on the digital balance
4. Repeat these measurements and take an average before calculating the density

An example of a results table might look like this:

Analysis of Results
Find the mass of the liquid by subtracting the final reading from the original reading
Mass of liquid = Mass of cylinder with water – mass of cylinder
Remember to convert between grams (g) and kilograms (kg) by dividing by 1000
1 g = 0.001 kg
78 g = 0.078 kg
Once the mass and volume of the liquid are known, the density can be calculated using the
equation:

Evaluating the Experiments

Systematic Errors:
• Ensure the digital balance is set to zero before taking measurements of mass
• This includes when measuring the density of the liquid – remove the measuring
cylinder and zero the balance before adding the liquid
Random Errors:
• A main cause of error in these experiments in the measurements of length
• Ensure to take repeat readings and calculate an average to keep this error to a minimum
• Place the irregular object in the displacement can carefully, as dropping it from a height
might cause water to splash which will lead to an incorrect volume reading.
Safety Considerations
• There is a lot of glassware in this experiment, ensure this is handled carefully.
• Water should not be poured into the measuring cylinder when itis on the electric balance.
• This could lead to electric shock.

• Make sure to stand up during the whole experiment, to react quickly to any spills.
 Exam Type Questions

1. The MSP students are carrying out measurements in order to determine the density of water

using two methods.

(a) Method 1: Fig. 1.1 shows an empty measuring cylinder on a balance and Fig. 1.2 shows the
measuring cylinder containing water.

(i) Read and record the mass m1 of the empty measuring cylinder.

m1 = ................................................. g

(ii) Read and record the mass m2 of the measuring cylinder and water.

m2 = ................................................. g

(iii) Read and record the volume V1 of water, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

V1 = ............................................. cm3

(iv) Calculate a value ρ1 for the density of water using your readings from (a) (i), (ii) and (iii)

and the equation ρ1 = m2 – m1 / V1. Give an appropriate unit.

(b) Method 2

In this method, a test-tube is floated in the water left in the measuring cylinder from Method 1

and the change in water level is measured.

(i) Read and record the mass m3 of the test-tube, as shown in Fig. 1.3.

m3 = ....................................................

(ii) The test-tube is carefully lowered, by means of a piece of cotton, into the measuring cylinder until

it floats as shown in Fig. 1.4. Read and record the new water level V2 in the measuring cylinder.

V2 = ....................................................

(iii) Using your results from (a)(iii) and (b)(ii), calculate V3, the change in the water level,

where V3 = (V2 – V1).

V3 = ....................................................
(iv) Calculate and record a value ρ2 for the density of water using the equation ρ2 = m3 / V3

ρ2 = .............................................. [3]

(c) Calculate an average value ρAV for the density of water using your results from (a)(iv) and

(b) (iv).

ρAV = ............................................... [1]

(d) Suggest a precaution that should be taken in Method 1 to ensure that the volume reading is

as accurate as possible.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(e) Suggest a possible source of experimental inaccuracy in Method 2, other than with the

volume reading.

State and explain the effect that this would have on your value for ρ2.

suggestion ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

effect and explanation ...............................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

[2]

[Total: 10]