Density Column Lab - Part 1
In this first part of a two-part lab activity, students use triple balance beams and graduated cylinders to take measurements and calculate the densities of several common, irregularly shaped objects with the purpose to resolve confusion about mass and density. After this activity, conduct the associated Density Column Lab - Part 2 activity before presenting the associated Density & Miscibility lesson for discussion about concepts that explain what students have observed.
What are the relative masses and densities of these everyday items?Copyright (top left) 2011 Glenda Green, Wikimedia Commons, (top right) 2009 Stilfehler, Wikimedia Commons, (lower left) State of Oklahoma, (lower right) 2011 Rachel Kassman, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marbles_Background.jpg http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Penne_rigate.jpg https://www.ok.gov/strongandhealthy/Tools_for_Schools/index.html http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Materials_pre-placement.jpg
To monitor and improve water quality (if necessary), it is vital to for environmental engineers to know all of the physical and chemical properties of the contaminants. Properties such as density and hydrophobicity must be considered when determining the best way to remediate contaminated sites. For example, the differing densities and immiscibilities of oil and water prove beneficial to environmental engineers when cleaning up oil spills.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the difference and relationship between mass and density.
- Take accurate measurements of mass and volume using a triple balance beam and reading a meniscus, respectively.