NAME:

Experiment 3: Density
Background:
Density is an intensive property—a property that is independent of amount. However, density is a ratio of
two extensive properties—a property that is dependent on amount. Density is the mass per unit volume,
which means the mass divided by the volume. Intensive properties can be used to identify materials. In this
laboratory experiment, you will use density to identify various substances as well as determine the
concentration of an unknown sodium chloride solution.
The critical measurements in the determination of the density of any object is the precise determination of
mass and volume of the objects. For regularly shaped solid objects, these tasks are straightforward and can
be achieved by using a balance for mass and a calculation for the volume can be performed. For objects that
are irregularly shaped or not solids, these tasks can become a bit more of a challenge.
For example, Eureka!—the tale of Archimedes and the gold crown. There are many versions of this tale,
and the validity of the story is very much in question. However, the story goes like this. Greek king Heiro
II was having his goldsmith create a fancy new crown of gold, but the king suspected the goldsmith was
ripping him off by replacing some of the gold with another—cheaper—metal. Heiro asked Archimedes to
figure out if the crown was made of gold without destroying the crown. Archimedes knew that if he could
determine the density of the crown, then he could determine if the crown was made of pure gold or not. The
problem was the crown was an irregular shape, so determining the volume of the crown was not simple with
the techniques and methods available for that era—length x width x height, calculating the volume of a
cylinder, calculating the volume of a sphere, etc. After failing to come up with a solution to this problem,
Archimedes decided to take a hot bath. He had a servant fill the bath with hot water to relax. Inadvertently,
the servant had overfilled the bath. When Archimedes entered the bath and sat down, it overflowed. The
water spilled all over the floor. Instead of being angry with the servant, Archimedes jumped from the bath
yelling “Eureka! Eureka! I have found it!” He wasted no time and ran straight to the king to tell him the
news. Archimedes realized that the volume of irregularly shaped objects—like the crown, human body, etc.
—can be determined by measuring the volume the object displaces. So Archimedes determined that the
crown was not pure gold and the goldsmith suffered the consequences.
In this experiment, you will determine/use the density to identify the materials used to make the regular
shaped objects (cylinders) and you will use two different methods of determining the density of a solution of
sodium chloride—of a liquid. The density will be used to determine the concentration of the unknown
sodium chloride solution by a graphical approach, as well.
Experimental:
****Note: It will save time in lab if one lab group starts with the density of the solids and the other
with the density of the liquid.****

Regular Shaped Objects

In this part of the experiment, you will be determining the density of cylindrical shaped substance—
meaning they have a regular shape (not an irregular shape like a crown). So, volumes of these materials can
be calculated using math equations for volume. Ideally, both methods should give you the same outcome.
In reality, they likely will not. Method 1 provides more opportunity for mistakes (errors) in the
measurements. Method 2 has less opportunities for measurement mistakes—likely the better outcomes from
method 2.
Method 1: (Volume by calculation)
1. Obtain a density identification kit, and select three unknowns from the kit.
2. Record the color of the sample Data Table 1 (DT1) as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, silver
metallic, gray plastic, dark brown, white, gold, or reddish metallic (penny color).
3. For each unknown, obtain and record the mass in DT1.
4. Measure the diameter and length (with correct sig figs) of each unknown cylinder and record these
values in DT1.
o These values will be used to calculate the volumes of the unknown samples—using math
equations.
Method 2: (Volume by water displacement)
1. Using the same unknowns from method 1, record the color and mass of each unknown into Data
Table 2 (DT2).
2. Obtain a 100 mL graduated cylinder.
3. Fill the graduated cylinder with enough water so that the unknowns from the density kit will be
completely covered by water when submerged in the graduated cylinder. Hold the sample up to the
graduated cylinder and determine how much water you need before filling the graduated cylinder.
4. Fill the graduated cylinder with the determined amount of water (#3) and record the volume of the
water with correct sig figs.
5. Take sample 1 and gently slide it into the graduated cylinder. Read and record the new volume of
the water with the unknown with correct sig figs.
6. Remove the unknown from the graduated cylinder.
7. Repeat this process for the remaining unknown samples to obtain their volumes (with correct sig
figs) as well.
Density of a Liquid
In this part of the experiment, the identity of your sample is already known. It is salt water (specifically sodium
chloride dissolved in water). So, there is no need to figure out what it is. You are tasked with figuring out how
much salt (sodium chloride) is in the water—meaning the concentration. To do that, you need to find out the
density of the salt water. By dissolving something in the water, the density will change. The more “stuff”
dissolved in the water the greater the density. Your job is to figure out the density and match it with the
correct concentration.
Again, you will use two different methods to figure out the density of the salt water solution. Again ideally, both
methods should give you the same outcome. Again in reality, they likely will not. Method 2 uses a graphing
method to be completed in Excel—likely giving you more reliable data compared to the repeated single
mass/volume process found in method 1. Learning to use Excel will be highly beneficial to you throughout this
course and future science courses—particularly in chemistry.
Method 1:
1. In a small clean, dry 100 or 150 mL beaker, obtain approximately 30 mL of the unknown sodium chloride
solution—label the beaker with permanent marker.
2. Obtain a second small clean, dry 50 mL or 100 mL beaker.
3. Measure and record the mass of this empty beaker with correct sig figs in Data Table 3 (DT3) trial 1.
4. Rinse a 10.00 mL volumetric pipet 3x with the unknown sodium chloride solution as described by your
instructor during prelab.
5. Transfer 10.00 mL of the unknown solution to the pre-weighed beaker.
6. Weigh the beaker + unknown solution and record the new mass of the beaker + unknown solution with
correct sig figs in DT3 (trial 1).
7. Empty, clean and dry the beaker as best you can.
8. Reweigh the beaker and record the new mass with correct sig figs in DT3 (trial 2).
a. The mass may vary each time.
9. Transfer a new 10.00 mL of the unknown solution to the beaker.
10. Weigh the beaker + unknown solution and record this mass with correct sig figs in DT3 (trial 2).
11. Repeat steps 7-10 for trial 3.
12. Use this data to calculate the density using the math equation (d = m/v) of the unknown for each trial.
Method 2: Once you zero the balance, do not zero it again!
1. Refill the small 100 mL or 150 mL (stock solution) beaker with approximately 60 mL of unknown sodium
chloride solution.
2. Obtain an additional small clean, dry 100 mL or 150 mL beaker, weigh it and record it’s mass above DT4.
3. Tare—means to zero the balance with the beaker on the balance—the empty beaker.
a. The balance should now read 0.000 g with the beaker on the balance.
4. Using the 10.00 mL volumetric pipet, transfer 10.00 mL of unknown solution to the pre-weighed beaker.
5. Weigh the beaker + unknown solution and record the mass (with correct sig figs) of the 10 mL of unknown
in Data Table 4 (DT4).
6. Next, (DO NOT EMPTY THE BEAKER) add an additional 10.00 mL volume of the unknown solution (so
20.00 mL total) to the beaker and record the mass (with correct sig figs) in DT4.
7. Then add an additional 10.00 mL volume of the unknown solution (30.00 mL total) to the beaker and record
the mass (with correct sig figs) in DT4.
8. Add an additional 10.00 mL volume of the unknown solution (40.00 mL total) to the beaker and record the
mass in DT4.
9. Add an additional 10.00 mL volume of the unknown solution (50.00 mL total) to the beaker and record the
mass (with correct sig figs) in DT4—total volume will be 50 mL at this point.
Wrap-up:
By nature, a scientist must be skeptical—questioning every step, every detail, and only accepting the
findings when all other possibilities have been eliminated. Ideally, a scientist should repeat an experiment
over and over to be certain the results that are obtained are reproducible, not some accident or fluke. In
addition to repeating the same experiment to confirm the findings, the findings should be confirmed by
more than one method, when possible. In this experiment, you determined the volume of the regularly
shaped unknown samples by a direct and an indirect approach. These volumes were used to determine the
densities of the unknowns. Also with the sodium chloride solutions, the density of the unknown solutions
were achieved by two different methods. If the results are in agreement, then the work is done. If the
results do not agree, the question becomes which do you trust? How do you decide which is correct? Are
either correct? Are both correct? What do you do?
 Experiment 3: Density
Name __________________________________
Date ____________________
Please remember to include proper units and sig figs on ALL measurements.
Results/Data:
Table 1. Regular Shaped Object-Method 1 (see the Data Analysis section for instructions to complete the
volume, density, and sample identification portions of the table)
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3
Color Blue Silver White
Mass 17.593 35.307 21.933
Diameter 1.6 cm 1.6 cm 1.6
Length 7.5 cm 6.5 cm 5 cm
Formula for volume of a cylinder:
Volume At Home At Home
Density
Sample identification*
*use the information from table 5 to determine the sample identification V= Pie r^2xh

Table 2. Regular Shaped Object-Method 2 (see the Data Analysis section for instructions to complete the
volume, density, and sample identification portions of the table)
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3
Color Blue Silver White
Mass 17.593 35.307 21.933
Volume of water 27 25 20
Volume of water + 42 38 30
unknown
Volume of unknown
Density At Home At Home
Sample identification*
*use the information from table 5 to determine the sample identification
Table 3. Density of a Liquid-Method 1
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Mass of beaker 31.410 31.519 31.573
Mass of beaker + 41.813 41.851 41.922
10.00 mL of
unknown
Mass of 10.00 mL
unknown
Density of unknown
Average density At Home
Unknown
concentration*
*graph the data from table 6 to determine the correct sample concentration

Table 4. Density of a Liquid-Method 2 Mass of empty beaker: ____________________

Volume of unknown solution Mass of unknown solution
10.00 mL 10.441
20.00 mL 20.827
30.00 mL 31.193
40.00 mL 41.438
50.00 mL 41.922
Density—graphical method At Home
Unknown concentration*
*graph the data from table 6 to determine the correct sample concentration: 87.535 BEAKER MASS
EMPTY

Table 5: Density and Substance Identification

Density Material Densit Material
(g/cm3) y
(g/cm3)
0.24 Cork 1.37 Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
0.43 Pine 1.42 Acetyl
0.64 Walnut 1.54 Chlorinated PVC (CPVC)
0.75 Oak 1.77 Magnesium
 0.77 Maple 2.20 PTFE (Teflon®)
0.90 Polypropylene 2.71 Aluminum
0.92 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) 8.56 Brass
1.03 Polystyrene 4.30 Titanium
1.15 Polyamide (Nylon) 8.91 Copper
1.17 Acrylic 11.6 Lead
1.23 Polyurethane 19.3 Gold
1.32 Phenolic
*Use this table with solid object identification only
Data Analysis/Calculations:
Please remember to include units on ALL numbers and proper significant figures on calculations.
Regular Shaped Object—Method 1
1) Calculate the volume of each unknown sample using the formula of a cylinder. Enter the value into
Table 1.
Show Sample 1 Calculation HERE:

2) Calculate the density of each unknown sample using the formula for density. Enter the value into
Table 1.

Show Sample 1 Calculation HERE:

3) Using the density and table 5, determine the identity of each unknown. Enter the identity into Table 1.

Regular Shaped Object—Method 2

4) Calculate the volume of the unknown sample—enter the value in Table 2.

Show Sample 1 Calculation HERE:

5) Calculate the density of each unknown sample using the formula for density. Enter the value into
Table 2.

Show Sample 1 Calculation HERE:

6) Using the density and table 5, determine the identity of each unknown. Enter the identity into Table 2.

The results from #2 and #5 as well as #3 and #6 should be in agreement, but may not be.
Density of a Liquid—Method 1
7) Calculate the mass of the unknown solution for each trial—enter the value in Table 3.

Show Trial 1 Calculation HERE:

8) Calculate the density of the unknown for each trial—enter the value in Table 3.

Show Trial 1 Calculation HERE:

9) Calculate the average density of the unknown solution—enter the value in Table 3.

Show the Calculation HERE:

10) Determine the concentration of the unknown solution using the average density from Table 3:

a) Plot the following data as percent NaCl vs. density using Excel.
Table 6: Percent NaCl and Density
Percent NaCl (by mass) Density (g/mL)
0.00 0.998
5.00 1.034
10.00 1.071
15.00 1.108
20.00 1.148
25.00 1.189
Graph requirements:

● All graphs must include: axes, include the units on the axes, and a chart title.

● Add a linear regression line to fit the data, display the equation of the line on the graph.

● Print the graph on a single, separate sheet.

b) Calculate the % NaCl of the unknown (from Table 3):

● Use regression line and the average density to determine the % NaCl (a concentration unit) of the
unknown.
● The average density is the y value.

● Substitute the value into the regression line equation and solve for x—the % NaCl of the unknown.

Show the Calculation HERE:

Density of a Liquid—Method 2
11) Plot the mass vs volume using the data collected in Table 4 on Excel:
Graph requirements:

● All graphs must include: axes, include the units on the axes, and a chart title.

● Add a linear regression line to fit the data, display the equation of the line on the graph.

● Print the graph on a single, separate sheet.

The slope of the line is the density—enter the value in Table 4.

12) Using the graph generated in question 10 and the density from Table 4, determine the concentration
of the unknown solution (same way as 10b) and enter the value in Table 4.

Show the Calculation HERE:

The results from #10b and #12 should be in agreement.
Questions:
Answers to questions should be written in complete sentences with proper capitalization and
punctuation.

Regular Shaped Objects

1) Do the results for the unknown samples agree for the two methods? Are the identifications the
same? Are the densities in agreement?

2) For method 1, calculate the percent error between your experimental density and the table value
(actual).

3) For method 2, calculate the percent error between your experimental density and the table value
(actual).

4) What could have been done to improve your results?

Density of a Liquid
5) Calculate the percent error between the results obtained by Method 1 and Method 2.
Use Method 1 as the experimental value and Method 2 as the accepted/true value for purposes of this
calculation.

Show the Calculation HERE:

How do the results from Method 1 compare to Method 2? (less than 10%—acceptable and greater than 10%
—high)
6) Which method (Method 1 or Method 2) should provide the more accurate results? Explain—
provide a rationale.

7) What could have been done to improve your results?

Notes for Lab Report:

Turn in:

● Post-lab pages starting with data tables through the calcs/questions

● 2 graphs stapled to back