Density Lab

Use the density cubes. Record information in your journal

1. Choose one cube and write what the cube is made of.

2. Get the mass (m) of the cube using a balance.

3. Use the formula method to get the cube's volume (v).

4. Then calculate the density (D) using the formula D=m/v

5. Predict whether this cube will float or sink (is less or more dense than water).

6. Test your prediction and then dry and replace the cube.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 with at least 2 more cubes.

Complete the following density labs and Density Lab Sheet.

Part 1: Can changing the shape of an object change its density?

Procedure - Part 1

• 1. Follow instructions in part 1 of your Lab Sheet.

  2. Answer the questions and draw labeled diagrams on your Lab Sheet.

Part 2: Changing the density of a liquid

Procedure - Part 2

• 1. Fill a clear cup 1/2 full with room temp. water and put 1 carrot slice in.

  2. Observe and record under "before" on your Lab Sheet.

  3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and stir with a spoon until the salt dissolves. Record results on table in Lab Sheet.

  4. Continue adding salt by the 1/2 tsp or 1/4 tsp (or whatever your group decides) until the carrot hovers in the the middle (neutral buoyancy). Record results after each salt addition. If carrot reaches the surface, dump water, rinse carrot and start again at step 1.

  5. Complete the "after" and "additional evidence" sections of your Lab Sheet and clean up (carrot in cup by sink, water in sink, extra salt back in front, check inventory and and replace bin where you found it).

Part 3: Can liquids have the same density? Do solids in liquids have the same density?

Procedure - Part 3

• 1. Write your prediction under "Can liquids have the same density?" on your Lab Sheet.

  2. Pour 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, oil and water into a clear cup.

  3. Draw a labeled diagram and fill in the actual results on your Lab Sheet.

  4. Write your prediction under "Do solids in liquids have the same density?" on your Lab Sheet.

  5. Place a crayon, noodle, paperclip and wood in four different sides of your container that already is full of the 3 liquids.

  6. Draw a labeled diagram and fill in the actual results on your Lab Sheet.