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 electronic balance and measure its mass. (Remember to first zero
the balance).
3. Calculate the volume of the cube using ( ).
4. Use the measurements to calculate the density of the object.
Method 2: An irregular shaped object
1. Place the object on the electronic 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 electronic 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.
Analysis
Using these results – the densities can be calculated using:
Density = mass ÷ volume