Laboratory Techniques Lab Report

Option One: Density Measurements Virtual Lab

Instructions: For this investigative phenomenon, you will need to determine the densities of
an unknown solid and liquid using different methods of measurement to determine if the solid
will float on water. Record your observations and test measurements in the lab report below.
You will submit your completed report.

Title: 01.07 Laboratory Techniques

Objective(s): To identify the densities of the unknown solid and liquid and how mass will affect
the solid's volume and the volume of the liquid's mass.

Hypothesis: The density of a substance is determined by its mass and volume. We can consider
the relationship between mass and volume when predicting the densities of an unknown solid
and liquid. If the volume of the liquid increases, then the mass of the liquid will increase. If the
mass of the solid increases, then the volume of the solid will increase.

Make a prediction about the densities of the unknown solid and liquid. How will mass affect the
volume of the solid, and how will volume affect the mass of the liquid?

Procedure:

Part 1:

1. Measure the empty cylinder by moving the weights to measure the mass on the balance.
Record your measurements in your data table.

2. Add 8.5 ml of unidentified liquid to the graduated cylinder. Then record your exact
volume in your data table.

3. Measure the cylinder’s mass with the unidentified liquid.

4. Repeat steps for Trials 2 and 3.

Part 2:

1. Measure the solid mass with the digital scale. Record the mass in the data table.

2. Add 50 ml to the graduated cylinder. Record your exact volume in your data table.

3. Place the solid object into the graduated cylinder. Record your new volume in your data
table.

4. Repeat steps for Trials 2 and 3.

Access the virtual lab and complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Because this lab is
virtual, summarize the steps in which data were collected for the samples. In addition, list and
explain your controlled variables, independent variable, and dependent variable for this lab.

Materials:

Part 1:

 Cylinder
 Triple beam balance
 Unknown liquid

Part 2:

 Cylinder
 Digital scale
 Solid
 water

Variables:

Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the same throughout the
experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the experimenter can see the
effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will change in response to
the test variable.

Variables Part 1 Part 2

Controlled variables 10mL graduated cylinder digital scale
The unknown liquid The solid
Independent variable Amount of liquid Mass of the solid
Dependent variable The mass The solid in the cylindar
Data:

Type the results of your tests in the data table below. The saved results of your measurements
can also be found by selecting the data table button within the virtual lab. Don’t forget to record
measurements with the correct number of significant figures. Hint: Using the same instrument,
you should have the same number of digits to the right of the decimal (all masses, then all
volumes, etc.).

Calculations:

Show your calculations for each property. Be careful to follow significant figure rules in each
calculation.

Part I: Density of Unknown Liquid

1. Calculate the mass of the liquid for each trial. (Subtract the mass of the empty graduated
cylinder from the mass of the graduated cylinder with liquid.)
o Trial 1: 37.6-27=10.6g

o Trial 2: 38-27.5=10.5g
o Trial 3: 37.5-27=10.5g

2. Calculate the density of the unknown liquid for each trial. (Divide the mass of the liquid
calculated above by the volume of the liquid.)
o Trial 1:10.6/8=1.325 g/m^3
o Trial 2:10.5/8.6=1.22 g/m^3
 o Trial 3:10.5/8.7=1.20 g/m^3

Part II: Density of Irregular-Shaped Solid

1. Calculate the volume of the irregular-shaped solid for each trial. (Subtract the volume of
the water from the total volume of the water and solid.)
o Trial 1:56-51=5 cm^3

o Trial 2:57-53=4 cm^3

o Trial 3:56-51=5 cm^3

2. Calculate the density of the irregular-shaped solid for each trial. (Divide the mass of the
solid by the volume of the solid calculated above.)
o Trial 1:39.461/5=7.89 g/m^3

o Trial 2:41.491/4=.10.37 g/m^3

o Trial 3:42.077/5= 8.41 g/m^3

3. Compare the density values. Are they precise and accurate? Explain your answers
completely.

Yes, they are, given that each measurement's range is near the actual value.

Conclusion

Write a conclusion statement that addresses the following questions:

 Do your data support or fail to support your hypothesis (include examples)?

My findings supported my hypothesis. For example, the object's mass and volume rose in almost
every trial.

 Describe the pattern observed in volume measurements as different masses or volumes of

the unknown solid or liquid were selected. Explain why this pattern exists.

For the unknown liquid, as the mass of the liquid changes, the volume also changes. This pattern
exists because the density of a liquid is influenced by its mass and volume. The volume increases
when more liquid is added to the graduated cylinder, resulting in a lower density. Conversely, the
volume decreases when less liquid is added, resulting in a higher density.

If you were measuring the volume of different amounts of solid metal, you would find that as
you increase the mass or volume of the iron, the volume measurement would also increase. This
is because the density of the solid remains relatively constant; therefore, a larger mass or volume
of the solid will occupy a larger space.

 How do you think the investigation can be explored further?

 Employing other liquids and solids would allow the investigation to be further investigated. The
results of several experiments would undoubtedly vary depending on the varied liquids and solids
used.

Post-Lab Reflection Questions

Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer questions in
complete sentences.

1. How would you determine the proper number of significant figures for measurement of a
liquid using a graduated cylinder?

To determine the proper number using a graduated cylinder, you must precisely measure
and count the indicated number on the cylinder.

2. Can just one measurement be considered precise? Can just one measurement be
considered accurate? Explain your answers completely.

No, just one measurement cannot be considered precise. Precision refers to the
consistency of measurements. If only one measurement is taken, there is no basis to
determine consistency.
Similarly, just one measurement cannot be considered accurate. Accuracy refers to how
close a measurement is to the true or accepted value. Without multiple measurements to
compare and determine the average o from the true value, the accuracy of a single
measurement cannot be evaluated.

3. For a boat to float on water, it must have a density lower than the density of water.
Compare the densities of your unknown liquid and solid. If a boat was made of the
unknown solid, would it float on the unknown liquid? Explain your answer.

If the boat is made out of the same substance as the unknown solid, the boat would be
unable to float because the density would be higher than the unknown liquid causing the
boat to sink.