CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________

Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________

Pre-Lab (Due Start of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
1. Lab Details
Section number Day of week Time Pre-Lab Due date

2. Purpose or objective (1 point):

3. Materials and Safety (1 point):

Read Chapter 1 in Silberberg and Amateis, Chemistry, 9e.

4. Procedure outline (2 points):

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 1 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Pre-Lab (Due Start of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
2. Watch the “Reading a buret” video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDj4oCGWGsw
3. Calculate the mass of each of the following: (3 points)
Adopted from Chang and Overby, Chemistry, 13e, McGraw-Hill
(a) a sphere of gold with a radius of 10.0 cm [the volume of a sphere with a radius r is 𝑉 =
4 g
(3) 𝜋𝑟 3 ; the density of gold = 19.3 cm3]

g
(b) a cube of platinum of edge length 0.040 mm (the density of platinum = 21.4 cm3),

g
(c) 50.0 mL of ethanol (the density of ethanol = 0.798 mL)

4. A piece of silver (Ag) metal weighing 194.3 g is placed in a graduated cylinder containing
242.0 mL of water. The volume of water now reads 260.5 mL. From these data calculate the
density of silver. (1 point)
Adopted from Chang and Overby, Chemistry, 13e, McGraw-Hill

5. Density is a _____________ property. Select all correct words to fill in the blank. (1 point)
a. chemical
b. physical
c. extrinsic
d. intrinsic

6. Write the equation for the volume of a cylinder: (1 point)

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 2 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Introduction and Procedure (not turned in)

OBJECTIVE:
Work with a partner to determine the densities of several solids and liquids. Calculate an average
density, a density from the slope of a line on a graph, and a percent error.
DISCUSSION
The density of a substance (d) is defined as the ratio of its mass (m) to its volume (V).
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑚
𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 = or 𝑑=
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑉
The densities of regular solids such as cubes or cylinders can be determined by direct measurement
and applying geometric equations. Densities of irregularly shaped solids must be determined by
indirect methods, such as water displacement. Note that density changes with temperature, so it
is sometimes necessary to report the temperature at which density is determined, especially for
liquids and gases.
In this experiment, some of your densities will be compared to accepted values.
(𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙−𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙)
Use the formula: % 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100%.
𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙

When an expected value is not known, values from two different methods can be compared using
a similar formula. This is called percent difference:
(𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒1 − 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒2 )
%𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = × 100%
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
Notes:
• The 100 is exact (by definition); % is a unit (parts per hundred).
• Do NOT push the % button on your calculator!
• Often the numerator in this expression is between absolute value symbols. The absence of
absolute value in the numerator was intentional. Do you know why?
• The "actual" value for densities in today's lab appear in the Table labeled "Water".
PROCEDURE & Calculations – record all data on the Lab Report (pages 8 to 13).
Use the SAME Sartorius balance for all measurements in this experiment.
I. Density of Solids
A. Density of a regular solid – direct measurement of volume
1. Obtain a set of four cylinders and record the color in the data sheet.
2. Use a metric ruler to measure the length and diameter of the cylinder in centimeters.
Record the measurements to the proper number of digits. (Remember that the numbered
marks are cm and you must estimate between the smallest marks, which are 1 mm = 0.1
cm apart.)
3. Obtain the mass of each cylinder using a Sartorius balance. Remember to use the
SAME balance for all measurements in this experiment.
4. For a cylinder made of the same material, predict the:
a. mass of a cylinder with a volume of half that of your smallest cylinder;
b. volume of a cylinder with a mass twice that of your largest cylinder.
Record these values on your Lab Report.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 3 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Introduction and Procedure (not turned in)

I. Density of Solids (Continued)

B. Density of a solid – indirect measurement of volume
1. Use one of the cylinders you obtained previously. Record the color of the cylinder in
the Lab Report.
2. Choose a graduated cylinder from your drawer that the cylinder can fit into easily (the
smaller the graduated cylinder, the better your results will be – but please do not get
the cylinders stuck!). Use a small beaker to fill the graduated cylinder about half full
of deionized water. Read the bottom of the meniscus and properly report the actual
volume of water in the cylinder. Remember the rules for reporting the proper number
of digits.
3. Tilt the cylinder and carefully slide the cylinder into the water. Return the graduated
cylinder to the upright position and record the new volume you now see in the cylinder.
The change in volume represents the volume of the cylinder. This is referred to as
"volume by displacement."
4. Calculate the density of the colored cylinder.
5. Compare the results of parts I.A. and I.B.

II. Density of Liquids

A. Density of Water
1. Obtain a buret attached to a ring stand. Make sure the buret clamp holds the buret straight
both up and down and from side to side. Close the stopcock. Horizontal orientation of
the knob or brightly colored plastic pieces is usually the closed position. Place a “waste”
beaker under the tip of the buret. See figure on the next page.
2. Use a clean beaker to obtain about 70 mL of deionized (dI) water. Use a funnel to fill
the buret with the dI water, well above the zero mark. Remove the funnel and set it
aside. Open the stopcock and rapidly drain some dI water to remove the bubble in the
buret tip. Ask your instructor if you have trouble using the buret.
3. Slowly drain more dI water until the bottom of the meniscus (curved surface of the water)
is between the 0.0 and 1.0 mL lines. See the next page before you record the initial
buret reading.
4. Clean and dry a 30-mL beaker. Use a Sartorius balance to measure its mass. Then record
the mass on the data sheet. Carefully deliver 11 – 12 mL of dI water from the buret into
this beaker. Review the next page, then record the final buret reading.
5. Weigh the beaker containing the deionized water.
6. Measure the temperature of the water. Make sure the thermometer BULB is totally
submerged to get the best reading. Record the temperature properly.
7. Calculate the volume of water in the beaker by subtracting the initial buret reading from
the final buret reading. Calculate the mass of the water by subtracting the mass of the
beaker from the mass of the beaker containing the deionized water.
8. Look at the "Water" Table (page 7) and choose the temperature that is closest to the
temperature you measured. Use the "actual" density value shown in the table to
calculate percent error for your calculated value. Record your percent error with correct
significant digits!

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 4 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Introduction and Procedure (not turned in)
Significant digit notes for percent error calculations: Determine the number of sig figs after
calculating the numerator. Next, do the division and again determine the number of sig figs. The
better your data, the fewer sig figs you will have in your percent error.

Note how the buret is calibrated. Each small line

represents a tenth of a milliliter. Each full circle
marked with a number is a milliliter. The
numbers increase downward. Read the buret by
looking straight across at the bottom of the
meniscus. Placing the dark region on the bottom
of this page behind the buret and just below the
meniscus will make the reading more
reproducible. Record ALL buret readings to a
HUNDRETH OF A MILLILITER (2 places after
the decimal)! Extracted from 2_skills.pdf, by James
Tong; downloaded 2/25/14 from
http://dspace.hil.unb.ca:8080/handle/
1882/30432.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 5 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Introduction and Procedure (not turned in)
The black line below can be used to help visualize the meniscus of the buret (see previous page).

CLEAN UP! Empty the buret. If

anything other than water is used, rinse
it three times with dI water. Turn it
upside down with the stopcock open,
and allow to air dry.

II. Density of Liquids (Continued)

B. Density of Salt Water "Unknown"
1. Obtain a clean, DRY 25 mL graduated cylinder. Ideally, choose one that is in increments
of 0.2 mL, because it is more accurate and precise than a graduated cylinder with more
spread-out markings.
2. Measure and record the mass of the graduated cylinder.
3. Obtain one sample of an "UNKNOWN" and immediately record the code number (it
will be either "A", "B", "C", or "D".) Add approximately 15 mL of the unknown into
the graduated cylinder. Properly read and record the volume of unknown in your Lab
Report. Note that if the graduated cylinder has any type of marks in the “tenths”, you
should report to the hundredth.
4. Obtain the mass of the graduated cylinder that now contains the unknown solution.
Determine the mass of the liquid by subtracting the mass of the graduated cylinder from
the mass of the graduated cylinder containing the unknown solution.
5. Calculate the density of the unknown.

C. Density of Salt Water "Knowns"

1. Using the same graduated cylinder as for part B, repeat the procedure from part B for
each of the "KNOWN" samples. These are labeled 4.0%, 8.0%, 12.0% and 16.0%. These
samples may be run in any sequence, but you should see a gradual increase in density
as the salt concentration increases. You need not dry the cylinder each time. Rather,
rinse the cylinder with the sample you are about to measure, dump that rinse down the
drain, then refill to approximately 15 mL. Then proceed to take your volume and mass
measurements. Record all data in the blank table that appears on the data sheet.

2. Once your data is complete AND IT LOOKS REASONABLE, you are to prepare a
hand-drawn graph using the grid on the last page. Follow the instructions on page 9.
You will graph "Density" versus "Concentration" (y vs. x) from the table you just
completed. Then use your graph's standard curve to predict the concentration of your
unknown sample you measured in Part B. You will report this answer on your handout.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 6 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Introduction and Procedure (not turned in)
"WATER" DENSITIES

TEMP DENSITY TEMP DENSITY

( C) (g/mL) ( C) (g/mL)
20 0.99823 28 0.99626
21 0.99802 29 0.99598
22 0.99780 30 0.99568
23 0.99757 31 0.99537
24 0.99733 32 0.99506
25 0.99708 33 0.99473
26 0.99681 34 0.99440
27 0.99654 35 0.99406

*If the temperature is less than 20C, assume the density is 0.9990 g/mL.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 7 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Introduction and Procedure (not turned in)

This page has been left intentionally blank for double-sided printing. You may use this
space if you need extra room to show work. Make sure to clearly label any work
written on this page.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 8 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Lab Report (Due End of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________

PARTNER'S NAME: ____________________________________________________________

I. Density of Solids (6 points)

A. Density of a cylinder – direct method Cylinder Color: _______________

Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Cylinder 3 Cylinder 4

Mass of cylinder
Diameter of
cylinder
Height of cylinder

Calculated Volume

Calculated Density

Average Density of the 4 cylinders

Show work for Cylinder 1 below.

Volume:

Density:

For a cylinder made of the same material, predict the: (2 points)

a. mass of a cylinder with a volume of half that of your smallest cylinder;

b. volume of a cylinder with a mass twice that of your largest cylinder.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 9 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Lab Report (Due End of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
B. Density of cylinder – water displacement Cylinder Color: _______________
(5 points)

1. Mass of colored cylinder (from p. 7) _________________________ g

2. Initial volume of water in grad. cylinder ___________________ mL

3. Volume of water + colored cylinder _________________________ mL

4. Volume of colored cylinder _________________________ mL

5. Density of colored cylinder _______________________ g/mL

6. Compare the density values you calculated in Part A to Part B. (2 points)

Determine the Percent Difference between the two values. ________________%
Show calculation below.

II. Density of a Liquid (4 points)

A. Density of Water

1. Mass of beaker _________________________ g

2. Initial Buret Reading ____________ mL Final Buret Reading ____________ mL

3. Volume of Water Added ___________ mL

4. Mass of beaker and water _________________________ g

5. Mass of water _________________________ g

6. Calculated density of water ________________________ g/mL

7. Temperature of water _________________________ C

8. Density of water from Table _________________________ g/mL

9. Percent Error _________________________ %

Show calculation below.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 10 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Lab Report (Due End of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
B. Density of Salt Water "Unknown"
(5 points)
1. Mass of graduated cylinder _________________________ g

2. Mass of graduated cylinder _________________________ g

and unknown solution

3. Mass of unknown solution _________________________ g

4. Volume of unknown solution _________________________ mL

5. Density of unknown solution _________________________ g/mL

C. Density of Salt Water "Knowns"

(4 points)
1. Mass of DRY graduated _______________________ g
cylinder from Part B #1

4.0% 8.0% 12.0% 16.0%

Mass of cylinder
and solution
Mass of solution
Volume of
solution
Density

Use graph paper to plot the concentration and density data from the table you just completed. (The
“known” concentration values go on the x-axis! Calculated values go on the y-axis.) Use your
“best fit line” to predict the concentration of your unknown sample you measured in Part B. Report
this answer below.

Slope of line: _________________________ Show work! (1 point)

(Remember, slope is rise/run, Δy/Δx)

THE CONCENTRATION OF YOUR UNKNOWN IS __________ (1 point)

(Graphing instructions are provided on pages 11-13)

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 11 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Lab Report (Due End of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
GRAPHING INSTRUCTIONS

You performed an experiment where the density was determined for NaCl water solutions of
known concentration. A NaCl water solution of unknown concentration was obtained and its
density was determined also. You are to properly graph the four data points determined for the
known solutions, then use the graph to determine the concentration of the unknown solution.

THE GRAPH
• graph paper is available at the end of this printed lab
• graph must be completed during lab
The following rules must be learned and followed:
• use pencil or erasable ink
• data must cover as much of paper as possible (important!), but choose “easy” increments
• need not start graph axes at zero, but do start the x-axis at zero for this experiment
• circle data points
• draw best straight line; it need not touch all data points (use a ruler or other straight edge)
• use graph line from above to predict the concentration of the unknown salt solution;
✓ unknown should not appear as a data point,
✓ Use dashed line to place unknown on graph (see graph example).
• graph must have:
axis labels including dimension (example: "length") and units (example: "cm")
tick marks labeled with numerical values

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR AN EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL GRAPH

After completing the graph of your data, record your answer for the unknown concentration on p.
9 of your lab data sheets. Submit your graph for grading.

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 12 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Lab Report (Due End of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
Example Graph (for reference)

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 13 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Lab Report (Due End of Lab 3) Due Date: ____________________________
Plot your Experimental Data on this Grid: (4 points)

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 14 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023
CHEM 1111 Laboratory 3 Name: ____________________________________
Determining Density Lab Section/TA: ____________________________
Post-Lab (Due Start of Lab 4) Due Date: ____________________________
Show work and units for each question!

1. Mercury has a density of 13.53 g/mL. What is the mass of 345 mL of mercury? (1 point)

ANSWER: ___________________

2. How much water will be displaced from a full beaker of water when 0.987 g of silver is placed
in it ? (Silver (Ag) density is 10.53 g/cm3.) (1 point)

ANSWER: ___________________

************************************************************************
Please note that when units are cubed, the conversion factors get cubed as well. For example, even
though there are 100 cm in 1 m, there are NOT 100 cm3 in 1 m3. Rather, there are (100)3 cm3 in 1
m3. FOR THE NEXT TWO PROBLEMS, YOU MAY WISH TO CONVERT THE LENGTH
MEASUREMENTS TO CENTIMETER UNITS BEFORE CUBING THEM TO AVOID THIS
ISSUE.

3. A block of lead measures 3.5 meters by 6.0 meters by 2.0 meters. What is the mass of the block
in kilograms? (Lead (Pb) density is 11.4 g/cm3.) (2 points)

ANSWER: ___________________

4. A 3.55 ounce metal block has dimensions of 0.45 in X 2.5 in X 3.0 in. What is the density of
the metal in g/cm3? (1 ounce = 28.35 g to four sig figs; 1 inch = 2.54 cm exact, memorize!)
(2 points)

ANSWER: ___________________

Derived from Hauser 1/13 & Hal Harris 2004, edited JHarms 082721 Page 15 of 15
As of: 8/17/2023