Materials: Tall clear drinking glass or vase At least four of the following liquids: Fresh water Salt water Vegetable oil Rubbin
g alcohol Dish soap Honey Corn syrup Milk Maple syrup At least three different small items of your choice, such as: Ping pong ball Small screw, bolt, or nut Popcorn kernel Peanut Blueberry Grape Cherry tomato Instructions: Select four liquids and predict how you think they compare in density by ranking them from most dense to least dense in the data table below. Measure out ¼ cup volume of each liquid, and pour them one at a time into the clear glass or vase. Record your observations in the lab worksheet. Gently add the first small item to the liquids, and record your observation of where it settles. Repeat with the other small items. Clean up all lab materials (the liquids can be poured down the sink), and complete the lab worksheet. Data Table: Prediction: Rank the four liquids from lowest density (top) to highest density (bottom) Observation: Rank how the four liquids really compare, from lowest density (top) to highest density (bottom) Observations: What objects did you place in the liquid, and where did each settle? Object Layer where it settled Observations and Conclusions: Define density, and describe how this activity helps you compare the density of four different liquids without making mass measurements. How did the observations compare to your predictions? Did any of the results surprise you? How would the density of water change if you measured out ½ cup instead of ¼ cup? Explain your answer in complete sentences.
The less dense liquids and objects will be found at higher levels in the vase. The density of the water would not change. Density for a substance is constant, regardless of the amount of that substance.
