RP5 - 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 100cm^3 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 the 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.