Determination of Densities

John Herman C. Urias

De La Salle University-Dasmarias

Dasmarias, Cavite Philippines

ABSTRACT

Densities of several liquids and solid samples were measured as an exercise involving measurements.
Density, defined as the amount of matter occupying a unit volume, is used to describe the characteristic
property of a material. Proper procedures were done in measuring to ensure accurate readings of
measurements. Different liquid samples were used, namely distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, coconut oil
and an unknown liquid sample. The experimental density values were measured at 0.99 g/mL, 0.78g/mL,
0.86 g/mL, and 0.76 g/mL respectively. The percentage error of all samples was at the range of 2.00%.
The unknown liquid was identified as kerosene by comparing the measured density to its theoretical
value. For the solid samples, a cube, a rectangular solid, a spherical solid, and a pebble were used. The
experimental density values are 0.63 g/cm, 0.68 g/cm, 3.16 g/cm, and 2.70 g/cm respectively. The
success of the experiment was dependent on the accuracy of measuring the needed quantities and the
results indicate the experiment was a success.

INTRODUCTION

Measurement is the process of obtaining the magnitude of a quantity relative to an agreed

standard (1). Such process requires proper procedures in order to ascertain accuracy of the measured
quantities. In this experiment, the densities of several solid and liquid samples were measured. Density is
the defined as the measure of the amount of matter occupying a unit volume (2). Density is also an
inherent property which means that it is constant at a specific temperature. Density is also an intensive
property which means the amount of substance does not vary.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the first part of the experiment, distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, coconut oil, and an unknown
liquid was determined. A dry, empty graduated cylinder was used to measure 50 mL of distilled water and
5.0 ml of the other liquid samples. The mass of the liquids were measured using a triple beam balance.
The experimental densities of the liquids were calculated and were compared to the theoretical values in
order to find the percentage error.

For the second part of the experiment, the density of a a cube, a rectangular solid, a spherical
solid, and a pebble were determined. The mass were measured using a triple beam balance. A ruler was
used to measure the length, width, and height of the wood blocks. On the other hand the density of the
marble was measured a piece of string around it and measuring the equivalent value in centimetre. Lastly,
volume of the pebble was determined using displacement method.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Four liquid samples were used, namely distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, coconut oil, and an
unknown liquid sample and the summary of their densities are listed in Table 1 below. The experimental
density values were measure at 0.99 g/mL, 0.78g/mL, 0.86 g/mL, and 0.76 g/mL respectively. The
percentage error of all samples was at the range of 2.00%. The unknown liquid was identified as
kerosene by comparing the measured density to its theoretical value.
 Table 1. Densities of Liquids

Water Isopropyl Coconut Oil Unknown Liquid

Alcohol
Mass of dry, empty cylinder 95.6 26 26 26
(g)
Mass of cylinder and liquid 145.1 29.9 30.3 29.8
(g)
Mass of liquid (mL) 49.5 3.90 4.3 3.8
Volume of Liquid (mL) 50 5 5 5
Experimental density of 0.99 0.78 0.86 0.76
liquid (g/mL)
Theoretical density of liquid 1.00 0.78 0.90 0.78
(g/mL)
Percentage error 1 0 4.44 3
Identity of unknown liquid --- --- --- Kerosene

For the solid samples, a cube, a rectangular solid, a spherical solid, and a pebble were used.
Table 2 summarizes the determined densities of the wood blocks. The experimental densities of the cube
and the rectangular solid are 0.63 g/cm and 0.68 g/cm respectively which is expected to be below water
because of the spaces between cellulose fibers which makes up wood.

Table 2. Densities of Wood Blocks

Cube Wood Block Rectangular Solid

Mass of solid (g) 37.4 53.5
Length (cm) 3.9 12.4
Width (cm) --- 1.2
Height (cm) --- 5.8
Volume (cm) 59.319 78.864
Density (g/cm) 0.63 0.68

Meanwhile, Table 3 summarizes the determined density a spherical solid which is in this case, a
marble. Marbles are made from a combination of sand, soda lime, silica, and several other ingredients
added for pigment or decoration. The experimental density of the marble is 3.16 g/cm which is expected
to be greater than water because of its compacted structure.

Table 3. Densities of a Spherical Solid

Marble
Mass of solid (g) 5.6
Diameter (cm) 1.5
Radius (cm) 0.75
Volume (cm) 1.77
Density (g/cm) 3.16

Lastly, Table 4 summarizes the determined density of an irregularly-shaped solid which is a

pebble in this case. Displacement method, which is discovered by Archimedes, was used in determining
the volume of these irregularly-shaped solids. The volume of the displaced fluid is taken by the volume
occupied by the immersed fluid (4). The experimental density of the pebble was measured at 2.70 g/cm
which is expected to be greater than water because of its heavier and compacted structure.
 Table 4. Density of an irregularly-shaped solid

Pebble
Mass of empty watch 32.3
glass (g)
Mass of watch glass and 35
pebble (g)
Mass of pebble (g) 2.7
Initial volume of water in 30
cylinder (mL)
Final volume of water in 31
cylinder (mL)
Volume of pebble (cm) 1
Density (g/cm) 2.7

The success of the experiment was dependent on the accuracy of measuring the needed
quantities and the results indicate the experiment was a success.

REFERENCES

(1) http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Science-Stories/Measurement

(2) Figueroa, L. and Samonte, J. Laboratory Manual in General Chemistry. 4 th Edition. 2010. C & E
Publishing. Philippines

(3) http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Marbles.html

(4) https://explorable.com/displacement-experiment