Required practical 5 - Density: Part 3 - Calculating the density of a liquid

Question 1

Outline the basic steps of the practical

Answer 1

1) Measure the mass of the empty measuring cylinder.
2) Pour around 100cm³ of liquid into the cylinder and record the volume.
3) Measure the mass of the cylinder with liquid in, and subtract the cylinder’s mass to calculate mass of liquid.
4) Calculate density from mass and volume.

Question 2

How does the density of solids and liquids compare?

Answer 2

In general, solids are more dense than liquids since their particles are more tightly packed together meaning there is more mass per unit volume.