Comparing the density of metals

Comparing the Density of Metals

Question: What is the effect of changing the type of metal on its density?

Hypothesis: If a different metal type is used, then the density will change.

Materials:
4 metal samples
Balance
50 ml graduated cylinder
Water
Paper towels

Apparatus:

Pre-Lab Questions:
1. What’s the formula to calculate density?

D = M / V

2. What are the units for density? g/mL, g/L, mg/mL, g/cm3
3. A sample of metal has a mass of 85.6 grams and a volume of 12.1 mL. What’s the density of metal x?
Given:
M = 85.6 g V = 12.1 mL D = ?
D = M / V = 85.6 / 12.1 = 7.07438016529 g/mL
Therefore, the density of metal x is about 7.074 g/mL.
4. A metal bar has a density of 19.3 g/mL and a mass of 50 g. What’s the volume of the bar?
Given:
M = 50 g V = ? D = 19.3 g/mL
V = M / D = 50 / 19.3 = 2.59067357513 mL
Therefore, the volume of the bar is about 2.591 mL.
Procedure:
1. Select 1 of the 4 metal samples
2. Use the balance to measure the mass of each sample to the nearest 0.01 g. Record the masses in the data table.
3. Fill the graduated cylinder half full of water. Record the volume to the nearest 0.1 mL.
4. Carefully insert the metal sample without splashing any water Record the volume of the water plus the metal sample.
5. Repeat for each of the metal samples.
6. Dry the metal samples.
7. Make sure the balance is left as you found it.

Data and Observations:
Data Table
Sample
Mass (g)
Volume of water (mL)
Volume of water + sample (mL)
Volume of sample (mL)
Density (g/mL)
1
16.8
25
31
6
2.800
2
53.2
25
31
6
8.867
3
55.1
25
31
6
9.183
4
47.8
25
31
6
7.967

Discussion:
Post-Lab Questions:
1. What’s the density of each of your samples?

Metal Sample #1: 2.8 g/mL
Metal Sample #2: 8.867 g/mL
Metal Sample #3: