Experiment Density Tower

Making a Density Tower

BackgroundWhether an object sinks or floats depends on its density compared with the density of the liquid into which it is dropped. All types of matter—solids as well as liquids—are made up of many different atoms. Depending on the mass of these atoms, their size and the way they are arranged, different substances will have different densities. Density is characteristic for each individual substance and is defined as the mass of the substance divided by its volume. In other words, the more matter there is in a certain amount of volume, the denser a substance is. One cubic centimeter of rock, for example, is much heavier than a cubic centimeter of wood. This is because there is much more matter in the same volume of rock compared with the wood. Liquids can also have different densities. Freshwater, for example, has a density of about one gram per cubic centimeter (cm3 or milliliter, mL) at room temperature. Any compound—liquid or solid—that has a higher density than water will sink when placed in water, whereas substances with a lower density than water will float. You can test that for yourself by gathering several liquids that you have in your kitchen such as vegetable oil, corn syrup, dishwashing soap, and more. Which one of these do you think will sink or float in water? Find out in this activity!

Materials

HoneyCorn syrup or pancake syrupLiquid dishwashing soapWater (can be colored with food coloring)Vegetable oilRubbing alcoholQuart-size mason jarIf the listed liquids are not available, use analogous liquids. Use at least six liquids with different densities.

Notes for SubmissionIf you have access to a printer, please print out any sheets on which you write down numbers, observations, calculations, and answers to questions. If you do not have a printer, be prepared to neatly write your data, observations, analysis, and responses to all questions on sheets of paper. Most likely, you will be asked to take photos of your written pages, turn them into a single pdf file, and upload them in Canvas for your instructor to grade. Be sure to follow any specific directions given to you by your instructor.

Pre-Lab Questions

1. Define density.

2. Give examples of substances (or mixtures) with different densities in the three states of matter. That is, solid examples, liquid examples, and gas examples. Give at least three examples of each, and list them in order of decreasing density.

Procedure

If the liquids mentioned in the procedure below are not available, use analogous liquids. Use at least six liquids with different densities. Keep in mind the hardest liquids to deal with will be water, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol. Make sure each liquid has time to settle and even out before adding the next liquid. Keep the jar as still as possible, and pour SLOWLY!!

1. Measure ½ cup of each liquid into a separate bowl or cup.

2. Carefully pour your heaviest liquid into the mason jar. Avoid having any run down the sides.

3. Pour the next heaviest liquid slowly and carefully over a spoon onto your first liquid.

4. Continue this process until all liquid samples have been added.

5. Do not disturb the jar. You have made a density tower!6. If your instructor asks you to do so, take a photo of your density tower, and submit it with your write-up for this lab.

Post-Lab Questions

1. Describe any difficulty you had performing this lab. How would you adapt this lab to avoid the problems you encountered? Use complete sentences.

2. If the density of a sugar solution is 1.30 g/mL, what volume of this solution has a mass of 50.0 g? Show your work, and record your answer to the correct number of significant figures.

3. If a cubic box has the volume of 0.556 m3, what is the length of each side in cm and in miles? Show your work, and record your answer to the correct number of significant figures.

Part 2: Modified Lab Manual with Data Provided , I attracted you need to do the lab manual