Density of a Regularly Shaped Block of Aluminium

Results:

Volume (cm³) = Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm)

Density (gcmˉ ³) = Mass (g) / Volume (cm³)  

Average Density (gcmˉ ³) = (Sum of all blocks) / Number of Blocks

Conclusion:

  Blocks number one and two’s length, width and height were equal because the aluminum blocks were cube shaped. By multiplying their dimensions together, the volume resulted as 2.197cm³.  By dividing the block’s mass of 5g by its volume 2.197cm³, the density resulted in 2.27583gcmˉ ³. They have equal density. Block number three had the same length and width as Block number 4 with a length of 8.8cm, and a width of 2.5cm. But block number three’s height was 0.60cm, which made it 0.05cm thinner than block number four which had a height of 0.65cm. With Block number three being slightly thinner with the same mass, it resulted in a higher density than block number four. Block number three resulted in a density of 2.80303gcmˉ ³, and Block number four resulted in a density of 2.58741gcmˉ ³. Block number three is 0.21562gcmˉ ³ denser that block number four. The average density of the blocks resulted as 2.48552gcmˉ ³. The average density of pure aluminum is 2.7gcmˉ ³, so this means that the blocks were not pure aluminum but an alloy of less pure aluminum and less dense metals.

  Errors that might have occurred could have been systematic errors. Incorrect measurements of the aluminum blocks is a significant source of error. A way to improve the accuracy of your measurements would be to make sure you are measuring with an accurate centimeter ruler and to read the measurement either at eye level or directly above the centimeter ruler. Another source of error could be a miscalculation of the dimensions, volume, density or average density. To improve the accuracy of your calculations, write down each figure to multiply, divide or add with appropriate labels in your table. Next, take your time performing the necessary calculations slowly on a calculator. To make sure the calculations are correct, have a friend check it over with a different calculator. A source of error could also be rounding off figures, this could result in incorrect results. To improve this, write down the exact figure up to a certain decimal place and be consistent about the decimal place with each figure to maintain a fairly accurate result.