South Pasadena • Honors ChemistryName

1 • Chemistry FoundationsPeriod Date

DENSITY LAB

INTRODUCTION

Density = . We want to practice making measurements, determine the volume and density of some objects, and use the density value to determine the mass of an object.

PRE-LAB

1.The width of this penny should be reported as: ______cm.
The smallest markings on this ruler are ______cm.
On your measurement above, box the certain digit(s) and circle the estimated digit(s). Your measurement has ____ significant digits.

2.Measure these line segments with the metric ruler. Use the correct precision and units.

Measurement
a) ――――――――――――――――――――
b) ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
c) ―――――――

PART 1: DENSITY OF CYLINDER

Procedures

  1. Working with a partner, obtain a plastic cylinder from your teacher.
  2. Record the mass of your cylinder using the electronic balance. Be certain to press “Tare” before you begin to reset the balance reading to 0.00 grams.
  3. Measure the volume of this cylinder by water displacement.
  4. Return your cylinder and obtain a second cylinder. Repeat with a second cylinder.
  5. Calculate the volume and density of each cylinder.

Data and Calculations

Cylinder Letters
Color of Cylinder
Mass (g)
Initial Water Volume (mL)
Final Water Volume (mL)
Cylinder Volume (mL)
(show work)
Density g/mL
(show work)

PART 2: DENSITY OF BLOCK

Procedures

1.Working with a partner, obtain a plastic block from your teacher.

2.Record the number and color of the block in the Data Table below.

3.Measure the length, width, and height of the block. Record these measurements in the data table below.

4.Record the mass of your plastic block using the electronic balance. Be certain to press “Tare” before you begin to reset the balance reading to 0.00 grams.

5.Return the block and obtain a second block. Repeat the measurements. Return the second block.

6.Calculate the volume and the density of each block and record them in the table below.

Data & Calculations

Block Number
Color of Block
Mass (g)
Length (cm)
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Volume (cm3)
(show work)
Density (g/cm3)
(show work)

After Part 3, write down the actual density for each block. Calculate the % Error for your block’s densities.

Actual Density (g/cm3)
% Error
(show work)

South Pasadena • Honors ChemistryName

1 • Chemistry FoundationsPeriod Date

DENSITY CHALLENGE

PART 3: MASS OF BLOCK

  1. Working alone, obtain a plastic block from your teacher.
/ Block Number:
Color of Block:
  1. Measure the length, width, and height of the block. Estimate all measurements to the correct decimal place and include units with each measurement.
/ Length:
Width:
Height:
  1. Calculate the volume of the block. Round your answer to the proper number of significant figures.
/ Calculated Volume:
  1. Use the known density value to predict the mass of the plastic sample. Show your calculation.
Color of Block / Density (g/cm3)
Paper-white / 0.51
Black / 0.96
Milky-white / 0.91
Clear / 1.17
Gray / 1.41
/ Predicted Mass of Block:
  1. When the mass of the plastic block has been calculated and a prediction made, bring the block to the teacher. The teacher will measure the actual mass of the block using a laboratory balance.
/ Actual Mass Measurement:
Teacher’s Initials: ______
% Error: