Determining Density of Liquids
(printable lab)

Mass and volume are properties of matter. Density is the ratio of mass and volume. The particular density of a specific kind of matter helps to identify it and distinguish it from other kinds of matter. Liquids have density, and it is possible to determine their densities in grams per milliliter. (g/mL).

Purpose:
To determine the density of several liquids by measuring their mass and volume.
To identify density as a physical property that can help you identify matter.
To practice safety procedures and proper equipment usage.

Materials:
balance, 3 graduated cylinders, 3 beakers, corn syrup, oil, water,

Procedure:
1. Place the empty graduated cylinder on the balance. Record the mass in the data table.
2. Pour 20.0mL of water into the graduated cylinder.
3. Find the mass of the cylinder and the water. Record the mass in the data table. Calculate the mass of the water by subtracting the mass of the empty graduated cylinder from the mass of the graduated cylinder with water. Record the mass of the liquid in the data table. Keep the water in the cylinder.
4. Calculate the density of water by dividing the mass of the water by the volume.
5. Using the two other graduated cylinders, repeat steps 2 and 3 first using corn syrup, then oil. Keep the liquids in the cylinders. Find the mass of each empty cylinder before you add the liquid.
6. Show ALL calculations.

Conclusions:
1. List the three liquids you used in the experiment in order of increasing density.
1. ___________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ____________________

2. Which has greater mass, 1.0 L of water or 1.0 L of corn syrup?_______________
Why? ____________________________________________________________
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3. Which takes up a greater volume, 1000.0g of water or 1000.0g of corn syrup?
_________________________________________________________________
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4. What do you think would happen if some of each liquid was placed in a test tube?
_________________________________________________________________
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Try it! Draw what actually happened in the test tube.

What did we find? When the three liquids were combined in a test tube the corn syrup went to the bottom the water was in the middle and the oil stayed on top.

Conclusions:
Corn syrup was the most dense of the three liquids.
Oil was the least dense of the three liquids.
Liquids have different densitys that can be calculated.
Viscosity of a liquid does not effect the density. Just because a liquid has a high viscosity (thicker) does not mean that the liquid is more dense. Example: oil is less dense than water.

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