Experiment No.

Density of a Solid

Introduction

A submerged or immersed body is subjected to a system of forces which causes it to

either sink or float. Properties of the immersed solid (density, specific weight, specific gravity,
etc.) may be determined using Archimedes Principle. This principle equates the weight of the
object in air to the weight of the liquid it displaces when it is submerged into the liquid.

Objective:

To determine the density of a solid material using the principle of buoyancy

Apparatus/Materials:

Any Solid Object Spring Balance Graduated Cylinder String

Procedure:

1. Tie the solid object with a string. The string must be thin to minimize displacement but
strong enough to carry the solid object.

2. Using the spring balance, separately weigh the solid object and the string in air.

3. Dip the solid object into the cylinder filled with water. The submerged solid object must
not touch the wall of the cylinder. Remove air bubbles that might cling to the solid
object.

Drawing:
(IN THIS PICTURE WE MEASURE THE MASS OF THE OBJECT IN WATER)

Observations:

Mass of Object & Mass of Object &

Trial No.
String in Air String in Water

1 0.24 Kg 0.16 Kg

2 0.24 Kg 0.15 Kg

3 0.24 Kg 0.17 Kg

Weight of the string in air: 0

Data Analysis:

1. Weight in water = (Weight in air) – (Weight of displaced volume)

2. Weight of displaced volume = (unit weight of water) x (volume of object)

( Weight∈air )−(Weight∈water)
3. Volume of object =
Unit weight of water

4. Density = mass of object in air/volume of object

5. Specific weight = weight of object in air/volume of object

Calculations:
 T1: T 2:

Ww = 0.24 – 0.16 V = (1.65 – 0.8)/9810

Ww = 0.8 N V = 8.665x10 -5 m3

V = 0.8/9810 N/m3 ρ = (1.65/9.81)/(8.665x10-5)

V = 8.155x10-5 m3 ρ = 1941.09 kg/ m3

WDV = 9810 N/m3 (8.155x10-5 m3) γ = 1941.09 (9.81)

WDV = 0.8 N γ =19042.12 N/m3

M = W/g = 1.6/9.81 = 0.1631 kg

ρ = M/V = 0.1631/8.155x10-5 T3:

ρ = 1999.99 kg/ m3 V = (1.68 – 0.8)/9810

γ = 1999.99(9.81) = 19621.90 N/m3 V = 8.97x10-5 m3

ρ = (1.68/9.81)/(8.97x10-5)

ρ = 1909.09 kg/m3

γ = 1909.09 (9.81)

γ =18728.18 N/m3

Vave = 8.597x10-5 m3

ρave = 1950.06 kg/m3

γ ave = 19130.73 N/m3

Results:

Displaced Volume: 8x10-5 m3

Computed Volume: 8x10-5 m3

Density of the object: 3000 kg/m3

Unit weight of the object: 29430.159 N/m3

Discussion of Results:

Our computed data shows that when the weight of the object is higher, its density is
smaller, same as the unit weight or specific weight.

Conclusion:

After conducting the experiment, we concluded that the weight of the object in air is
greater than its weight when submerged. There is a force resisting the object when submerged,
and we believe that this is due to its buoyancy.

Post-lab questions:

1) Is there a difference between the computed volume of the object to the volume it
displaced when it was submerged? If yes, what caused it?

There is no difference because a submerged object displaces a volume of liquid is

equal to the volume of the object.

2) Enumerate factors that influence accuracy of the results.

- The equipment selected to perform tests and calibrations is important. It can

severely impact the uncertainty in measurement results.
- The operator who performs tests and calibrations has a major influence on the
uncertainty associated with a measurement result. Their ability to facilitate the
measurement process and perform quality work has a direct impact on the
measurement result.
- The environment where tests and calibrations are performed can have an
influence on uncertainty in measurement results. Variables such as temperature,
humidity, pressure, gravity, elevation, vibration, stress, strain, lighting, etc. can
impact the measurement result. 

3) If a different liquid was used, would there be a difference in the results? What would it
be?

Yes, there would be a difference in the results if a different liquid was used because
each fluid has specific properties.