Mass, Volume and Density

Grade Level: 10th - 12th; T ype: Physical Science

Object ive:

In this experiment students will demonstrate the relationship between mass, volume,
and density.

Research Quest ions:

What is gravitational acceleration?

How can we determine the volume of an object?
How can we determine the mass of an object?
What is the density of water?
How can we determine the density of an object?
Why do some objects float?
What would we weigh if we were on the moon?

What is a quick way to lose weight? Go to the moon. In this experiment we will examine the relationship between
mass, volume, and density to explain how astronauts loose weight when they fly to the moon. Density is often
mistaken for weight. Although the weight of an object can change, the density of an object remains the same.
Density refers to the amount of matter within a given volume. By measuring the weight and volume of an object
we can then determine its density. In geometry we can calculate the volume of certain objects such as a ball or a
box. Because a ball is a sphere and a box is a cube we can use the volumetric equations: Vsphere = 4 /3 3 and
Vcube = length x width x height. However, in the real world matter can take on any form making it very difficult to
determine volume from the conventional equations. By measuring an objects displacement within water we can
calculate volume.

Mat erials:

Most of the materials can be found in a general chemistry laboratory.

500-1000mL graduated cylinder (wide mouth)

Scale (grams)
Water
Various objects: Lemon, billiard ball, small piece of a metal pipe, roll of quarters, etc.

Experiment al Procedure:

1. Weigh each of your objects and record in grams.

2. Fill a 500-1000mL graduated cylinder way with water and record the volume.
3. Place one object into the graduated cylinder so that it is submerged in the water.
4. Measure the volume of the water and submerged object.
5. Repeat for each object.
6. Calculate: mass and density.

Observed Values Calculated Values

Weight Initial Volume Final Volume Volume Mass Density

Object (g) (mL) (mL) (mL) (g) (g/mL)

A
 B

T erms/Concept s: Mass; Volume; Density; Displacement; Acceleration; Gravity