Physics lab density

Sim. Density Lab

Problem: Why is density considered a characteristic property?

If you break an object in half does the density change? Why?

Initial Data:

~ Density = Mass divided by Volume (Mass /Volume)

~ Characteristic Property: a property of matter used to identify an unknown substance.

~ Density of water = 1.0 g/cm3

~ Item Identity Chart

Materials: List the materials from the lab.

Procedure:

1. Turn Fluid into water

2. First determine the mass and volume of each object (8).

3. Record the data.

4. Knowing the mass and volume determine the density of all the objects.

5. Using the known density of different metals determine which block of material you had.

Data Table:

Density Lab: Qustions

1. How do you calculate density? What 2 measurements do you need to know first?

2. For each object, compare the density of the whole object with the densities of the pieces. What do you notice about the densities?

3. Look at the data you collected. Which objects would float in water? Which objects would sink in water? How do you know?

4. Which types of material did you have? How do you know?

5. What type of metal cylinder did you have? How do you know?

6. Why is density a characteristic property?

7. How do you measure the volume of an irregular shaped object?

8. The density of aluminum is 2.7 g/cm3. An unknown sample has a mass of 45g and a volume of 13.5 cm3. Could the unknown sample be aluminum? Why or why not? Make sure you show your math calculation.

Conclusion:

In a paragraph explain why density is a characteristic property. Are mass and volume characteristic properties? Why or why not? Can density be used to identify an unknown substance?