Name ________________________________________________ Date __________

Lab: Percent Composition of M&Ms

Purpose: To determine the percentage by mass of each color in a pack of M & Ms and
compare your results to the class average.

Hypothesis: I think that _______________________M&M's make up the greatest mass

percentage of most M&M samples.
Procedure:
1. Obtain a pack or cup of M&Ms and sort them by color.
2. Weigh the entire amount of each color on the balance and record the mass of each
color in the data table.
3. Weigh the wrapper (or cup) and record the mass of it in the data table.
4. Add up in the calculator (don’t weigh) the masses of each part and record the total
in the data table.
5. Calculate the percentage mass for each color (and the wrapper or cup) by using
this general formula for percentage:
% = mass of part x 100
mass of whole

6. Report your group’s results to the class up front and copy down the class results
when they are complete.
7. Construct 2 pie graphs—one that accurately displays your group’s data and one
that accurately displays the class percentages. Be sure to title the graphs, to
color each section, and label each section with the percentage number.

Data Table #1: Mass and Percentage of M&Ms—Group Data

Part of Pack Mass (grams) Percentage of Total

Mass
Blue

Yellow

Brown

Red

Orange

Green

Wrapper or Cup

Total
Data Table #2: Comparison of Percentages—Class Data

Group % blue %yellow %brown %red %orange %green %wrapper

or cup
1

Average

Analysis:

Pie Graph #1: Pie Graph#2:

Questions:
1. Which color made up the greatest percentage of your pack?

2. What is the difference in percentage between your percentage and the class average for
that color (and which is higher)?

3. Was your hypothesis correct according to the CLASS AVERAGE? Support your answer.