Density

• Outline the basic steps of the density practical.

  1. Measure the mass of the irregular shape and fill a displacement can with water and submerge the object.
  2. Record the volume of water that has been displaced.
  3. Calculate the density from the mass and volume.
• What should you place under the can spout to collect the water?

  A measuring beaker
• Explain how you should fill the displacement can to get the most accurate results.

  Fill the can until water starts to drip out of the spout and into the beaker, wait until the dripping just stops before submerging the object.
• Equation for density

  Mass / volume
• Unit for density

  kg /$m^3$
• When reading the volume of water that has been displaced, how should the reading be taken?

  From the meniscus of the liquid, taken at eye level to avoid parallax error
• What is the meniscus of a liquid?

  The lowest part of the liquid’s top surface, directly in the middle of the surface.
• What safety precautions should be taken in this experiment?

  Ensuring no water goes near the electronic balance since it could lead to electric shocks and a fire hazard.
• How can you work out the mass of a liquid?

  Place a beaker on a balance and zero the device. Pour the liquid into the beaker and read off its mass.