Chemistry 1032 Lab - Unit 4: Density Study Notes

Chemistry 1032 Lab - Unit 4: Density

Introduction to Density

  • Density is defined as the ratio of mass to volume.

    • Formula: \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}

  • Understanding density is a fundamental part of chemistry and involves various techniques for measuring mass and volume of different objects.

Part 1: Density of Regularly Shaped Objects

  • For most objects, mass can be easily determined using a digital scale.

  • Volume can be calculated for regularly shaped objects (e.g., cube, cone, cylinder) using geometry.

Calculation of Volume for Regular Objects

  • Formula for Volume of a Cube:

    • V = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Height}

    • Measurement unit: centimeters (cm), resulting in volume measured in cubic centimeters (cm³).

    • Note: 1 cm³ = 1 mL (milliliter).

Example Calculation

  • Given mass: 55.345 grams

  • Dimensions:

    • Length = 7.65 cm

    • Width = 3.40 cm

    • Height = 2.76 cm

  • Volume Calculation:

    • V = 7.65 \times 3.40 \times 2.76 = 71.8 \text{ cm}^3

  • Calculating Density:

    • \text{Density} = \frac{55.345 \text{ g}}{71.8 \text{ cm}^3} = 0.771 \text{ g/cm}^3

Part 2: Density of Irregularly Shaped Objects

  • Mass can be measured using a scale, but volume requires a method called volume by displacement.

Volume by Displacement Technique

  1. Use a graduated cylinder filled with a known volume of water. This is the initial volume (V_i).

  2. Submerge the irregular object in the water. The new water level provides the final volume (V_f).

  3. The change in water level indicates the volume of the submerged object.

    • Formula for Volume Displacement:

      • V{object} = Vf - V_i

Real-World Analogy

  • Example: When a person enters a bathtub, the water level rises due to the displaced volume equivalent to the person's body volume.

Example Calculation

  • Puppy Toy Example:

    • Initial Volume (V_i) = 28.0 mL

    • Final Volume (V_f) = 38.9 mL

    • Volume Displacement: V_{object} = 38.9 - 28 = 10.9 ext{ mL}

  • Given mass of toy = 15.345 grams

  • Density Calculation:

    • \text{Density} = \frac{15.345 \text{ g}}{10.9 \text{ mL}} = 1.41 \text{ g/mL}

Part 3: Density of Liquids

  • Measuring the density of a liquid follows a similar approach:

    • Measure the mass of the liquid in a container placed on a scale.

Example Calculation for a Liquid

  • Volume of a graduated cylinder: 41.8 mL

  • Mass of the liquid: 38.999 grams

  • Density Calculation:

    • \text{Density} = \frac{38.999 \text{ g}}{41.8 \text{ mL}} = 0.933 \text{ g/mL}

Part 4: Density of Solid Objects

  • To determine the density of solid objects:

    • Fill a cup with water, leaving an inch between the water surface and the top.

    • Use small household items to check their density:

    • If the object sinks: It is denser than water.

    • If the object floats: It is less dense than water.

Example with Ice

  • Ice floating on water is due to its lower density compared to liquid water.

Summary and Practical Applications

  • Understanding density helps in identifying materials and predicting their behavior in different environments. Students can further apply these principles to everyday objects, enhancing their comprehension of material properties in chemistry.

  • Best wishes for successful experiments and further exploration in chemistry!