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PYC Lab 6 Density

This document outlines a laboratory session for Foundation Physics at Cavendish University Zambia, focusing on determining the volume and density of a glass rod. It includes objectives, apparatus needed, theoretical background on density, a detailed procedure for measurements, and sections for recording results and calculations. The experiment emphasizes the importance of significant figures in measurements and calculations.

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4 views3 pages

PYC Lab 6 Density

This document outlines a laboratory session for Foundation Physics at Cavendish University Zambia, focusing on determining the volume and density of a glass rod. It includes objectives, apparatus needed, theoretical background on density, a detailed procedure for measurements, and sections for recording results and calculations. The experiment emphasizes the importance of significant figures in measurements and calculations.

Uploaded by

tamienyak37
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cavendish University Zambia

School of Medicine

Foundation Physics

(January intake 2025)

Laboratory Session Six: Density


1. OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the volume of a glass rod using a measuring cylinder and Vernier caliper.
2. To calculate density of a glass rod.

2. APPARATUS
1. Vernier Caliper
2. Glass Rod
3. Electronic Balance
4. Measuring Cylinder

3. THEORY
The density of a substance is constant for any pure sample at a constant temperature and pressure.
For example, the density of a sample of pure iron has the same density as any other sample of
pure iron at the same temperature and pressure. The density of any substance is its mass per unit
volume, calculated by

(1)

where m = mass is in kilograms (kg), and V = volume is in cubic meters (m3). The specimen in
this experiment is a cylindrical solid, so you should calculate the volume using

𝑉 =𝜋𝑟2𝐿 (2)

where r is the radius and L is the length of the specimen.

4. PROCEDURE
1. Zero the balance so that it reads zero when the platform is empty.
2. Measure the mass of the specimen, recording the value to the nearest 0.01 grams. Record
your result in Table 1.
3. Follow the instructions for the correct use and reading of the Vernier caliper. Measure the
diameter and height of the specimen. Estimate to the nearest 0.02 mm. Measure the
diameter and height at two different points. Record your results in Table 2.
4. Determine the volume of the glass rod using a measuring cylinder. Record your results in
Table 3.

1
5. RESULTS
Table 1: Volume of Specimen
Mass of Glass Rod (g)

Table 2: Radius and Height (Vernier calipers)


No. Diameter (mm) Height (mm)
1
2
Mean

Table 3: Volume of Specimen


Initial Volume, V1 (cm3)
Final Volume, V2 (cm3)
Volume of Specimen (cm3)

6. CALCULATIONS AND ANALYSIS


1. Calculate the volume of the specimen using Table 2. (convert to cm3).
2. Compare the value of the volume calculated using Table 2 to the value determined in Table
3.
3. Calculate the density of the specimen using the two volumes. (in g/cm3)
4. How many significant figures do your measurements of the mass, radius and height have?
5. How many significant figures does each of your result for the volume have? Recall that
multiplying two numbers gives a result with the same number of significant figures as the
input number with the fewest significant figures.
6. How many significant figures does each of your result for the density have? Recall that
dividing two numbers gives a result with the same number of significant figures as the
input number with the fewest significant figures.

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