Scribd
Upload
265 views3 pages

Investigation of Density of Irregular Objects

This document outlines three methods for measuring the density of different objects: 1. Measuring the mass and volume of a regular solid object to calculate its density. 2. Measuring the mass of an irregular solid by displacement - finding the volume displaced when the object is submerged in water. 3. Measuring the mass and volume of a liquid, using water as an example, to calculate its density. Results are provided for a steel block, stone, and water sample to demonstrate calculating density from measurements of mass and volume. Sources of experimental error are also discussed.

Uploaded by

Sneha Varghese
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
265 views3 pages

Investigation of Density of Irregular Objects

This document outlines three methods for measuring the density of different objects: 1. Measuring the mass and volume of a regular solid object to calculate its density. 2. Measuring the mass of an irregular solid by displacement - finding the volume displaced when the object is submerged in water. 3. Measuring the mass and volume of a liquid, using water as an example, to calculate its density. Results are provided for a steel block, stone, and water sample to demonstrate calculating density from measurements of mass and volume. Sources of experimental error are also discussed.

Uploaded by

Sneha Varghese
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

INVESTIGATION OF DENSITY OF IRREGULAR OBJECTS

There are different ways to investigate density. In this required practical activity, it is
important to:

 record the mass accurately


 measure and observe the mass and the volume of the different objects
 use appropriate apparatus and methods to measure volume and mass and use that to
investigate density
Aim of the experiment
To measure the density of liquids and solids.

Method
Method 1: A regular shaped object

1. Use a ruler to measure the length (l), width (w) and height (h) of the object.
2. Place the object on the top pan balance and measure its mass.
3. Calculate the volume of the cube using (l×w×h).
4. Use the measurements to calculate the density of the object.
Method 2: An irregular shaped object

1. Place the object on the top pan balance and measure its mass.
2. Fill a measuring cylinder so that there is enough water to cover the object when
it is placed inside the cylinder. Take the reading of the volume.
3. Carefully lower the object into the cylinder.
4. Take the new reading of the volume. Subtract the original reading to obtain the
volume of the object.
5. Use the measurements to calculate the density of the stone.
Method 3: A liquid

1. Place the measuring cylinder on the top pan balance and measure its mass.
2. Pour eg 30 cm3 of liquid (eg water) into the measuring cylinder and measure its
new mass.
3. Subtract the mass in step 1 from the mass in step 2. This is the mass of 30 cm3 of
water.
4. Use the measurements to calculate the density of the water.
Results
Some example results could be:

Object Mass (g) Volume (cm³) Density (g/cm³)

Steel block 468 60

Stone 356 68

Water 30 30

Analysis
Using those results – the densities can be calculated using:

Density = mass ÷ volume

Mass of steel block = 468 g

Volume of steel block = 60 cm3

Density = mass ÷ volume = 468 ÷ 60 = 7.8 g/cm3

For a stone of mass 356 g, the volume of water in the measuring cylinder rose by 68 cm3.

Density = mass ÷ volume = 356 ÷ 68 = 5.2 g/cm3

Mass of 30 cm3 of water is found to be 30 g.

Density = mass ÷ volume = 30 ÷ 30 = 1 g/cm3

Evaluation

 Density can be measured for regular solids, irregular solids and liquids.
 Densities calculated from measurements are subject to experimental error. This could
be because:
o the top pan balances used by different people may not be identically
calibrated
o the resolution of the measuring cylinders may be different, causing
different values for the volume to be recorded
Risk assessment
Hazard Risk Control measures

There are no significant risks associated with this procedure

1.
CONCLUSION

 Density of an irregular object can be found using the method of displacement.

You might also like