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TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPINES

938 Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City

CE 023-CE31S5

FLUID MECHANICS

LABORATORY REPORT 1
SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

I swear on my honor that I did not use any appropriate aid, nor give such to others, in accomplishing
this coursework. I understand that cheating and/or plagiarism is a major offense, as stated in TIP
Memorandum No. P-04, s. 2017-2018, and I will be sanctioned appropriately once I have committed
such acts.
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Activity 1: Specific Gravity Determination

1.1. Student Outcomes (SOs) Addressed by the Activity

SO d, Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze, and interpret data, and synthesize information to provide
valid conclusions for investigating complex problems.
SO i, Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multidisciplinary setting.

1.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

At the end of this activity the students shall be able to:
a) Explain the concept of specific gravity as one of the fundamental properties of fluid.
b) Demonstrate the needed techniques in determination of heights of different fluids inside the U- tube manometer.
c) Calculate the specific gravity of fluids using the principle given.

1.3 Objective/s of the Activity

The activity aims to demonstrate the validity of determining the specific gravity of a fluid using a U–tube manometer. Furthermore,
it aims to illustrate the effect of specific gravity on pressure variation on a multiple column of fluids.

1.4 Principle of the Activity

Specific gravity of a fluid is the dimensionless ratio of the specific weight gfluid or density p of a fluid to the specific weight

gwater or density ρwater of the standard substance,

𝛾f𝑙ui𝑑 𝜌f𝑙ui𝑑
𝑆= = (eq. 1.1)
𝛾w𝑎ter ( 4ºC) 𝜌w𝑎ter (4ºC)
𝛾𝘨𝑎𝑠 𝜌𝘨𝑎𝑠
𝑆= = (eq. 1.2)
𝛾𝑎ir (0ºC) 𝜌𝑎ir (0ºC)

For liquids and solids, the standard substance is pure water at 4ºC at which temperature, its specific weight, gwater = 9.81
KN/m3 and density ρwater = 1000 kg/m3 are at their maximum values. With these

constants, equation 1.1 may be used to compute the specific weight and density of a fluid given its specific gravity S. For gases, the
standard substance is either hydrogen or air at 0ºC and under a pressure of 101.3 KPa. Air at this temperature and pressure has gair
= 12.7 N/m3 and ρair = 1.29 kg/m3.

The specific gravity should not be confused with the density since these are two different properties of a substance, the
first one being dimensionless and the second having the dimensions kg/m3 or gm/cm3. In the SI units, however, these two are
numerically equal if the density is expressed in gm/cm 3. For example, water has specific gravity of unity and a density of 1 gm/cm3.
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Since specific gravity of fluids vary with temperature, ρwater can be computed using:
(𝑇−4)2
𝜌w𝑎𝑡e𝑟 = 1000 − (eq. 1.3)
180

Where T is in ºC, and the resulting unit of the density is kg/m3.

1.5 Resources/Instruments Required:

• U – tube manometer • Graduated Cylinder
• Scale / Ruler • Beaker
• Liquids whose specific gravity are to be • Thermometer
determined (water, soy sauce, oil, vinegar, and • Weighing Scale
diesel)
• Fluid Dropper

1.6 Procedure:
With the use of manometer

1. To let water as the reference fluid, measure its temperature using thermometer then determine the corresponding density
and specific gravity using eq. 1.3 and eq. 1.1
2. Pour an amount of 1st fluid (specific gravity S1) in the U – tube glass manometer
3. Add an amount of 2nd fluid (specific gravity S2) in the U – tube glass manometer until it stands
4. Measure the difference in elevation between the interface and surface for each fluid (designate it as h1 and h2; where h1 is
the difference in elevation between interface and surface of 1 st fluid and h2 is the difference in elevation between interface
and surface of 2nd fluid)
5. Evaluate the unknown specific gravity of the fluid using the derived formula below S1 h1 = S2 h2
6. Perform steps 2 to 5 with other liquids. For heavy fluids, use mercury as standard fluid.
With the use of mass-volume-density relationship
1. Using weighing scale, determine the mass of an empty graduated cylinder
2. Pour out some amount of fluid on the graduated cylinder then measure the combined mass of the fluid and the graduated
cylinder. Also, determine the volume of fluid being poured on the graduated cylinder.
3. Using the data from procedure 1 and 2 determine the mass of fluid being poured on the graduated cylinder
4. Determine the density by dividing the calculated mass of fluid to the corresponding volume. Consequently, the Specific
gravity of the fluid can now be determined.
5. Repeat procedure 1 to 4 for other liquids.
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Activity Report:
Section: CE31S5 Date Performed:Date NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Group No.: 1 Submitted: NOVEMBER 25, 2022
Group Members:
1. AMADOR, RUSELL JOHN 5. REBOREDO, MA. KATRINA THERESEA
2. BELLO, JOHN ALEXANDER 6. REYES, MARC DANIEL
3. BUSTILLO, EMMANUEL 7. SILONGAN, ANDREA MAE
4. JUSTADO, ALDRIN

1.7.1 Data Results:

Table 1.1: With the use of manometer

1st and 2nd Fluid h1 (1st fluid) h2 (2nd fluid) S (2nd fluid) using
manometer
Unit: cm Unit: cm
1st Fluid: WATER
10.0 11.0 0.9059
2nd Fluid: OIL
1 Fluid: WATER
st
5.0 4.5 1.1072
2nd Fluid: SOY SAUCE
1st Fluid: WATER
8.5 8.0 1.0588
2nd Fluid: SODA
1st Fluid: OIL
7.0 7.5 0.9301
2nd Fluid: VINEGAR

Table1.2: With the use of mass-volume-density relationship

Fluid Mass Volume S using mass-volume-
Unit: kg Unit: m3 density relation
OIL 0.045 5x10-5 0.9
SOY SAUCE 0.056 5x10-5 1.12
SODA 0.043 5x10-5 0.86
VINEGAR 0.048 5x10-5 0.96

Table 1.3: Summary

Fluid S from Table S from Table % error
1.1 1.2
OIL 0.9059 0.9 0.6556
SOY SAUCE 1.1072 1.12 1.1429
SODA 1.0588 0.86 23.1163
VINEGAR 0.9301 0.96 3.1146
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1.7.1 Analysis / Computations:

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1.7.2 Source/s of Error

Based on our first laboratory experiment, we noticed several factors that led some data to

cause a significant error. First, upon the use of a manometer, the group experienced various

causes that affects the results and may be inaccurate in their perspectives. First, the excess

liquids from the previous sample were left, and thus, it affects the present sample by having a

difficulty in reading. Moreover, the group noticed that the weight also changes. This is due to the

fact that even the tiniest liquids left from the previous sample still have an impact. Hence, the

group had to use water and dishwashing liquid to clean it from the inside. However, water and

dishwashing itself are not enough. Due to this error, we had to use a pressure cleaner to clean it

thoroughly.

1.7.1 Technique/s and recommendations to minimize error/s

During the experiment, to minimize the error found in the data being gathered it is recommended to use

another liquid that has a different type of color to directly see the separation of the two fluids. I’ve also observed that there

are some retained liquids found in the u-tube manometer which could cause an error when it comes to measuring its

specific gravity, it is better if the U-tube manometer is properly clean and neat. Lastly, to ensure accuracy and a high

chance of minimizing errors, it is better to properly follow each procedure found in the laboratory manual during the

laboratory experiment.
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1.7.2 Conclusion/s:
In this experiment, we conclude that as the ratio of a particular liquid's specific gravity increases,

its density will also increase at the same rate which specifically defines its correlation to one

another. As the fluid is transferred to the manometer, its specific gravity behavior is observed

persistent which relates to and directly affects its height. Furthermore, it has been shown that

liquids do not have the same specific gravity and density, and it is one of the reasons why it

separates. Also, specific gravity, determined from mass-volume density, exhibits similarity and

classifies its own properties and constituents. The two methods of determining the specific gravity

of the liquid show accuracy. Experiments show that the difference between the two accurate

densities implies different liquid property limits compared to the standard densities with regard to

its temperature which calculates the human error of the fluids. Though this, it shows that the

behavior of different liquids determines their properties in which the specific gravity can be higher

or lower than that of the standard liquid.

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DOCUMENTATION:

TEMPERATURE OF WEIGHT OF TUBE (IN DETERMINING THE HEIGHT

WATER GRAMS) OF FLUIDS USING U-TUBE

DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF FLUID WEIGHT OF FLUID (SODA)

VOLUME OF FLUIDS (SODA)

VOLUME OF FLUID WEIGHT OF FLUID (OIL) WEIGHT OF FLUID

(VINEGAR) (VINEGAR)
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TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINESRUBRIC

FOR CONDUCT OF EXPERIMENTS
(Engineering Programs)
Program : BSCE Course & section: CE023-CE31S5 Semester & School Year: 1ST SEMESTER & YEAR 2022
Activity No.: 1 Faculty: CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Group No.: 1 Date Performed: NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Group Members:
Submitted: NOVEMBER 25, 2022

1. AMADOR, RUSELLE JOHN 4. JUSTADO, ALDRIN 6. REYES, MARC DANIEL

2. BELLO, ALEXANDER 5. REBOREDO, MA. KATRINA THERESA 7. SILONGAN, ANDREA MAE
3. BUSTILLO, EMMANUEL

Score
Need Improvement1 Fair Good3 Very Good4 Excellent5
Criteria Member Member Member Member Member
2 1 2 3 4 5
Members does not followgood Member follows good and safe laboratory
Member follows good and safe Member follows good and safe Member follows good and safe
and safe laboratorypractice in practice at all times in theconduct of activity
laboratory practice 30% of the time in laboratory practice 60% of the time in laboratory practice all thetimes in the
Conducting of Activity the conduct ofactivity and encourage others to do the same
the conduct of activity the conduct of activity conduct of activity

Members is unable to operate Member is able to operate equipment Member is able to operate equipment Member is able to operate
Member is able to operate equipmentand
Equipment and/or the equipment andinstruments and instrument withbeing supervised and instrument withbeing supervised equipment and instrument with
instrument with ease even if not supervised
Instrument Operationand and needs supervision all the thrice during the activity twice during the activity being supervised onesduring the
Material Handling time activity
The group presents relevant, complete, and
The group presents more than accurate data in an organized and coherent
The group presents relevantbut The group presents minimum
Data Collection The group presents mostly the minimum requireddata that manner with visual representations such as
partial and inaccurate data required data that are relevantand
irrelevant data are relevant and accurate tables,
accurate
graphs, etc.
The group uses appropriate tools and
The group uses appropriate tools
techniques and arrives at correct results; and
Data Analysis and The group makes no attempt The group attempts to analyze the The group uses appropriate tools and techniques and arrives at
validates results with theories. Consequently,
to analyze the data but uses inappropriatetools and/or techniques and arrives at correct results; and validates results
Evaluation and/techniques correct results. with theories
relates results
data to other knowledge
The group presents clear and logical
The group presents clear and logical The group presents clear and logical
The group presents no The group presents no interpretation interpretation of resultsand arrives at
Interpretation and interpretation of resultsand arrives at interpretation of results and arrives at correct
interpretation of resultsand of results and arrives at incorrect correct conclusion and partially
correct conclusion conclusion and partially relatesthese to all the
Conclusion conclusions conclusions relates these to the objectives
objectives
Total Score
Mean Score = (Total Score/5)
Percentage Score = (Total Score/%) x 100%
Other Comments/Observations:

Evaluated by:

Signature of Faculty Date