Measuring the density of irregular solids
Research
Density is a measurement of how compact a solid is. To measure density there is a standard formula, which is density=mass/volume. The S.I. units for mass are grams and volume is cubic centimeters hence density be g/cm3. To obtain the volume of a solid it can be measured from displacement or measurements of the dimensions. In this case it will be the displacement.
Apparatus
- Beaker
- Eureka can
- Distilled water
- Object of measurement
- Scale
Method
- Weigh and record mass of solid
- Weigh the mass of the beaker on the scale (if the scale is fluctuating wait until it stops) and record it
- Place the beaker underneath of the spout of the Eureka can
- Fill the Eureka can with distilled water until it has reached the top of the spout level and any excess water has gone into the beaker
- Clean the beaker dry after spilling the excess water
- Slowly dip the object into the water until it has fully immersed (avoid any movement of the object as it will cause fluctuation of the water). Do not dip excess string in the water
- Collect the displaced water in the beaker until the last drop has come out
- Weigh the beaker (and water) and wait until there is one reading and record it
