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Cover page

Your name:
Partner(s):
Experiment title in your own words
Date the experiment was performed (not date the report is due or date
you wrote the report)
Name of your lab instructor
Day/time your lab meets
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Introduction:

The purpose of the lab was to improve our ability to calculate mass and volume quantities by applying
the formula of density, calculate solid and liquid densities from mass and volume measurements, and
discuss how measurement accuracy and precision relate to one’s level of confidence in a measured
quantity. As a basic feature of matter, density is important in many different scientific areas and
applications. The lab gives us the chance to answer important questions about the composition, structure,
and identity of the substances used. We can also learn about a substance's purity and capability for
different tasks by identifying its density which allows us to show the link between mass and volume and
why we need it. Density is the mass of a substance in a given volume and is a physical characteristic
property of all solids and liquids. To figure out the density of a solid or liquid, you have to first find the
mass and volume of the substance and then solve for density using the formula which is mass over
volume.

Mass
Density =
Volume

There are also different ways to measure the volume of an irregular and regular solid. To measure the
volume of an irregular solid, you can indirectly measure it using displacement. The way this is done is
by submerging the solid in a measured amount of water. The amount of water displaced which is the
change in the measured volume of the liquid after putting in the solid is equal to the volume of the solid.
Another way you can find the volume of a regular solid like a cube is to measure the cube's length,
width, and height and multiply the measurements to get the volume. Two nonchemical applications of
density include Agriculture and Archaeology. In Agriculture, farmers use density to test soil quality
because soil density can impact root growth and water infiltration which has effects on plant growth.
Density is used in Archaeology to analyze the density of artifacts to identify their composition and
origin. One chemical application of density is for chemical engineering. They use density in the design
and operation of chemical processes which is important in determining mass flow rates of substances in
pipelines or reactors.

Safety:

When it comes to the lab, safety is very important. Here are some general rules when conducting the
experiment. When handling any of the glass graduated cylinders or beakers and it breaks, make sure to
let an instructor know before cleaning up. Make sure to wear goggles and gloves when handling any of
the substances to avoid any chemical reactions that can be harmful to the eyes or skin. If you spill any
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liquid, make sure it is not near any cords or electrical equipment and tell and instructor so they can
provide correct cleaning measures. Do not eat or drink in the lab to avoid poisoning or illness. When
near a chemical and you need to smell it, make sure to waft and not put your nose directly close to it and
inhale deeply. If anytime during the experiment you feel dizzy or nauseous, let the instructor know so
that they can provide you with assistance.

According to the Flinn Scientific Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Isopropanol is a highly flammable liquid that
has a very strong vapor. Keep it away from any heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. It can cause
serious eye damage or irritation and has narcotic effects. Although is a common drug store disinfectant,
it can cause organ toxicity, drowsiness, and dizziness. Ethylene Glycol is also hazardous and can cause
acute toxicity and is harmful if swallowed. If it contacts the eyes, rinse with water continuously for
several minutes and if irritation continues, get medical attention. It is combustible so keep away from
open flames and hot surfaces. Keep away from any electrical equipment and if there is a spill, let the
instructor know and clean up accordingly. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles when handling.
Aluminum, Brass, and Copper are all nonhazardous. Although nonhazardous these materials can have
unpredictable reactions when in contact with chemicals and wear gloves in case of a chemical reaction.

When using any of the substances used in the experiment, especially the unknown liquid, make sure to
wear gloves and goggles to prevent any spills or splashes that can harm you. Carefully read the
instructions provided by the instructor to know how to handle chemicals and make sure to keep it away
from any flames or heat in case it is flammable and do not smell or drink it under any circumstances,
even if it is non-toxic.

Procedure:

For Part A when identifying the mystery liquid, first pre-weigh a 10 mL graduated cylinder and record
the mass 4 places after the decimal as it reads on the scale. Make sure not to round. Next, add 2 to 4 mL
of the unknown liquid into the graduated cylinder and record the volume to 3 significant figures. Next,
weigh the graduated cylinder with the unknown liquid and record the mass 4 places after the decimal,
and then discard the liquid into the waste beaker. Reweigh the same graduated cylinder and record the
mass. Add 5-7 mL of the liquid this time and record the volume. Weigh the graduated cylinder with the
liquid and record the mass and then discard the liquid into the waste beaker. Now reweigh the same
graduated cylinder and record the mass. Add 8-10 mL of the liquid this time and record the volume.
Then weigh the graduated cylinder with the liquid and record the mass and then discard the liquid into
the waste beaker. Make sure to write the mass as 4 places after the decimal exactly as it shows on the
scale record the volume as 3 significant figures, and do not round any of the numbers. After making the
calculations, use the table provided to identify the mystery liquid based on the average density of all
three trials. Your answer should be in 3 significant figures.
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For Part B when identifying the mystery solid, you must obtain 3 mystery solids all of the same
substance from your instructor. First measure the mass of each of the 3 solids and record the data as 4
places after the decimal place without rounding according to the scale. Then, take a 50 mL graduated
cylinder and fill it halfway with distilled water, then record the volume of the liquid as 3 significant
figures. Take the first solid of the three and carefully lower it into the graduated cylinder using tongs or a
scoop. Record the new volume of the liquid and then discard the water and carefully take the solid out.
Set the first solid to the side and refill the graduated cylinder halfway and record the volume. Take the
second solid and lower it into the cylinder. Record the new volume then discard the water and take the
solid out. Set the second solid to the side and refill the graduated cylinder once more halfway. Take the
third solid and lower it into the cylinder and record the new volume. Discard the water then take the
solid out and return them to the instructor. When doing this section, make sure to record the mass of the
solids as 4 places after the decimal and the volume as 3 significant figures. Use the table provided to
identify the solid after doing all the calculations to find the average density of all three trials. Your
answer should be in 3 significant figures.

Observations:

When we received the materials, the first thing my partner and I noticed about the unknown liquid was
that it was clear in color and had a strong odor similar to drug store wound disinfectant which led us to
believe that it might be isopropanol just from the smell. After receiving the solids, we noticed that they
were heavy when lifted and they had a brown metallic color to them, so we predicted they could be
either copper or brass based on their color.

Data:

Part A: Identifying a Mystery Liquid by Density Determination

Value Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Mass: Flask 34.3348 g 34.4371 g 34.4528 g

Volume: Mystery 3.20 mL 6.80 mL 8.99 mL

Liquid
Mass: Flask and 36.7233 g 39.6156 g 41.3723 g
Mystery Liquid
Mass: Mystery Liquid 2.3885 g 5.1785 g 6.9195 g

Density: Mystery 0.746 g/mL 0. 762 g/mL 0.770 g/mL

Liquid
Average Density 0.759 g/ml
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Proposed Identity: Isopropanol

Mystery Liquid

Part B: Identifying a Mystery Solid by Density Determination

Value Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Mass: Solid 54.4305 g 53.5178 g 54.8238 g

Initial Volume: Water 29.5 mL 29.6 mL 29.8 mL

Final Volume: Water 36.0 mL 35.9 mL 36.1 mL

Volume: Mystery 6.5 mL 6.3 mL 6.3 mL

solid
Density: Mystery 8.37 g/mL 8.49 g/mL 8.70 g/mL
Solid
Average Density: 8.52 g/mL
Mystery Solid
Proposed Identity: Brass
Mystery Solid

Calculations:

Part A Calculation:

Value Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Mass: Mystery
Liquid:
Flask Mass – Flask 36.7233𝑔 − 34.3348𝑔 39.6156𝑔 − 34.4371𝑔 41.3723𝑔 − 34.4528𝑔
and Mystery Liquid
Mass
Result: 2.3885 g 5.1785 g 6.9195 g
Density: Mystery
Liquid: Mystery 2.3885𝑔 5.1785𝑔 6.9195𝑔
Liquid Mass / 3.20𝑚𝐿 6.80𝑚𝐿 8.99𝑚𝐿
Mystery Liquid
Volume
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Result 0.746 g/mL 0.762 g/mL 0.770 g/mL

Average Density 0.746 + 0.762 + 0.770 2.278
3
= 3
Result 0.759 g/mL

Part B Calculation

Value Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Volume: Mystery
Solid: Final Volume – 36.0 𝑚𝐿 − 29.5𝑚𝐿 35.9 𝑚𝐿 − 29.6 𝑚𝐿 36.1 𝑚𝐿 − 29.8 𝑚𝐿
Initial Volume
Result 6.5 mL 6.3 mL 6.3 mL
Density: Mystery
Solid: Mystery Solid 54.4305 𝑔 53.5178 𝑔 54.8238𝑔
Mass – Mystery Solid 6.5 𝑚𝐿 6.3 𝑚𝐿 6.3 𝑚𝐿
Volume
Result 8.37 g/mL 8.49 g/mL 8.70 g/mL
Average Density 8.37 + 8.49 + 8.70 25.56
=
3 3
Result 8.52 g/mL

Discussion:

According to our data, the mystery liquid is Isopropanol and the mystery solid is Brass. After three trials
for each substance, the average density for the liquid was 0.759 g/mL which is very close to the
theoretical average in the table provided in the lab manual with all the theoretical average densities of all
the possible liquids and solids. The theoretical average for Isopropanol was 0.781 g/mL with only a
0.022 g/mL difference between my data and the theoretical data. The average density for the solid was
8.52 g/mL which is closest to the theoretical density of Brass which is 8.59 g/mL. The difference
between the two is only 0.07 g/mL which is much less compared to the difference between the two
liquid densities. We were very precise because each trial density was very close together and barely
differentiated with each other. Because our data was so accurate, it made it easier for us to determine
what the substances were based on how close the densities were to the theoretical numbers.

Day’s and Carpi’s article briefly describes the history and different purposes for density and why we use
it in everyday life. For example, the reason ships float in water is because of the amount of density
calculations they have done to perfectly engineer the ships to float on bodies of water. According to the
website ChemicalBook, which was last updated on July 3, 2023, the density of Isopropanol is 0.785
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g/mL is very close to the density we calculated. I also searched the density of brass on the same website
and the density of brass is between 8.40 and 8.73 g/mL which shows that my calculation is in between
the range for the density of brass. Stephen Lower’s article gives a basic summary of density and how to
calculate but also explains how temperature can affect density and that there are many different
applications that can affect the density of a substance. This shows how many calculations are
precautions are needed when trying to find the density of a substance because it can affect the purpose it
is needed for, and it can help identify what kind of substance it is.

In every experiment, there is always going to be room for error which can affect the results of what you
are trying to find. In Part A, an error could occur if we did not fully drain the graduated cylinder before
measuring the mass, the calculated density would be lower. Because we did not fully drain the graduated
cylinder, a lower mass, divided by the volume, would be equal to a lower density. During the
experiment, since we made sure to drain the graduated cylinder before moving forward in each trial, we
were able to get accurate densities to be able to identify the substances. In Part B, an error could occur if
we did not fully submerge the solid into the graduated cylinder. This would lead to the volume being
much smaller, and when doing the calculation, it would lead to a much higher density and we would
possibly identify the solid incorrectly.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this lab focused on how to determine the density a mystery liquid and a mystery solid to
be able to identify its name. By carefully following the procedures and conducting multiple trials, we
were able to accurately identify the substances as Isopropanol and Brass. This experiment emphasized
the importance of precision and accuracy in scientific measurements and ability to consistently get
similar density values across multiple trials to show the reliability of the procedure and efficiency in
handling the necessary equipment and chemicals safely. If were to do anything different in the lab, it
would be to increase the number of trials. This way it can enhance the accuracy and precision of our
answer for us to be able to compare it to other experiments. We could have also tested how temperature
affects density as well. This will help to understand the effects temperature has on different substances.
We observed how density calculations play a crucial role in various scientific fields and real-world
applications, such as ship engineering, agriculture, archaeology, and chemical engineering. The
relationship between mass and volume, expressed by the density formula, allows for the identification of
substances, assessment of purity, and the design of chemical processes.
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References:

Day, Martha Marie, and Anthony Carpi. “Density: General Science.” Visionlearning, Visionlearning,
Inc., 12 Feb. 2017, www.visionlearning.com/en/library/General-Science/3/Density/37. Accessed:
September 30, 2023, at 22:17

“Isopropyl Alcohol: 67-63-0.” ChemicalBook, ChemicalBook,

www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB8854102.htm. Accessed: September
30, 2023, at 23:46

Lower, Stephen. “2.4: Density and Its Applications.” Chemistry LibreTexts, LibreTexts, 24 Mar. 2021,
chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Palomar_College/PC%3A_CHEM100_-
_Fundamentals_of_Chemistry/03%3A_Matter_and_Energy/2.4%3A_Density_and_its_Applicatio
ns. Accessed: October 1, 2023, at 01:10