Relative Density Laboratory Report
Experiment 6: Relative Density
Laboratory Report
Jessica Manansala, Nathaniel Martinez,
Maria Pacia, Jeanelle Pedrigal, Miguel Poblete
Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila Philippines
Abstract
The experiment would introduce us to 3 concepts, namely, the definition of relative density, the Archimedes principle and the determination of density by the Archimedes principle. In the first activity, we were tasked with finding the density of a cylinder of a known metal; this was done by submersing the cylinder of metal in a measured amount of water and calculating the displaced water against the measured mass of the cylinder. The next activity required us to compute for the density of a given bone. The bone was first weighed, submersed in water and then weighed again. After which the relative density was then computed. The third activity required us to measure the weights of diet and regular soft drinks and then compute for their density.
Introduction
Relative density, or specific gravity, is the ratio of the density (mass of a unit volume) of a substance to the density of a given reference material. Specific gravity usually means relative density with respect to water. The term "relative density" is often preferred in modern scientific usage.
If a substance's relative density is less than one then it is less dense than the reference; if greater than 1 then it is denser than the reference. If the relative density is exactly 1 then the densities are equal; that is, equal volumes of the two substances have the same mass. If the reference material is water then a substance with a relative density (or specific gravity) less than 1 will float in water. For example, an ice cube, with a relative density of about 0.91, will float. A substance with a relative density greater than 1 will sink. [1]
Archimedes' principle relates buoyancy to displacement. It is named after its discoverer, Archimedes of
Laboratory Report
Jessica Manansala, Nathaniel Martinez,
Maria Pacia, Jeanelle Pedrigal, Miguel Poblete
Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila Philippines
Abstract
The experiment would introduce us to 3 concepts, namely, the definition of relative density, the Archimedes principle and the determination of density by the Archimedes principle. In the first activity, we were tasked with finding the density of a cylinder of a known metal; this was done by submersing the cylinder of metal in a measured amount of water and calculating the displaced water against the measured mass of the cylinder. The next activity required us to compute for the density of a given bone. The bone was first weighed, submersed in water and then weighed again. After which the relative density was then computed. The third activity required us to measure the weights of diet and regular soft drinks and then compute for their density.
Introduction
Relative density, or specific gravity, is the ratio of the density (mass of a unit volume) of a substance to the density of a given reference material. Specific gravity usually means relative density with respect to water. The term "relative density" is often preferred in modern scientific usage.
If a substance's relative density is less than one then it is less dense than the reference; if greater than 1 then it is denser than the reference. If the relative density is exactly 1 then the densities are equal; that is, equal volumes of the two substances have the same mass. If the reference material is water then a substance with a relative density (or specific gravity) less than 1 will float in water. For example, an ice cube, with a relative density of about 0.91, will float. A substance with a relative density greater than 1 will sink. [1]
Archimedes' principle relates buoyancy to displacement. It is named after its discoverer, Archimedes of
References: [1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_density [2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes%27_principle [3]http://www.ehow.com/how_7829380_distinguish-fools-gold-pure-gold.html [4]http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tip%20of%20the%20iceberg