Density

The Amount of Mass in a given Volume

• To find the density of an object we need it’s Mass, and it’s Volume. To get the Mass, we use a Triple Beam Balance. (there are other sorts, but this is a nice basic one)

• BTW – it’s a delicate instrument – not a toy – treat it gently!!!

Triple Beam Balance

• Check it first – put all the sliders to zero, and see if it measures zero. (the pointer on the right in the middle of it’s range – and not moving (or much))

• If it’s not zero – call me…

• Gently place the object you are testing on the pan.

• Slide the sliders until you get it balanced. Try the heaviest one first! Finish up with the lightest.

How to Read it!

• Add up all the values on the sliders

Now for the Volume

• From Math class, you know that Volume of a right rectangular solid (box) is L x W x H

• So, it’s easy enough – measure them with a meter stick – write down each measurement in cm. (Our Density is going to be in g/cm3)

• If it’s a sphere – 4/3r3 – so you can measure the diameter and divide by 2

Do 5 Objects

Object Length(cm)

Width(cm)

Height(cm)

Volume(cm3)

Mass(g)

Density(g/cm3)

Mercury

Osmium

Pumice

Dead SeaDead Sea

Lots of Salt

High Density

DisclaimerAloha

I put together these power points for use in my science classes.You may use them in your classes.

Some images are public domain, some are used under the fair-use provisions of the copyright law, some are mine. Copyright is retained by the owners!

Ted Brattstrom