To find the density of an object using a graduated cylinder, you'll need to determine both its mass and volume. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps to Determine Density
The method relies on measuring the volume of a liquid, usually water, before and after submerging the object.
Measuring Volume:
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Initial Water Volume: Pour a known amount of water into the graduated cylinder and note the volume. Make sure to read the meniscus (the curved surface of the water) at eye level for accurate measurements.
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Submerge the Object: Carefully place the object into the graduated cylinder containing the water, ensuring it is fully submerged and no air bubbles cling to it.
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Final Water Volume: Note the new volume reading of the water with the submerged object. Again, read the meniscus at eye level.
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Calculate Object Volume: Subtract the initial water volume from the final water volume. This difference is the volume of the submerged object. The reference mentions: “The difference between the two volume measurements is the volume of the object.”
Measuring Mass:
- Mass Measurement: Use a balance or scale to determine the mass of the object.
Calculating Density:
Once you have the mass and volume of the object, you can calculate the density:
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Density Formula: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of the object by its volume:
Density = Mass / Volume
The reference also supports this method, stating, “Now simply divide the mass by the volume to calculate the density of the object.”
Example
Let's say you measure the following:
- Initial water volume: 50 mL
- Final water volume (with object): 60 mL
- Mass of the object: 20 grams
Calculations:
- Object Volume: 60 mL - 50 mL = 10 mL
- Density: 20 grams / 10 mL = 2 grams/mL
Therefore, the density of the object is 2 grams per milliliter (g/mL).
Summary
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure initial water volume in graduated cylinder. |
| 2 | Submerge object. |
| 3 | Measure final water volume. |
| 4 | Subtract initial volume from final volume to get object volume. |
| 5 | Measure the mass of the object using a balance. |
| 6 | Divide mass by object volume to find density. |
By using a graduated cylinder to find the volume through water displacement, and a scale to find the mass, you can accurately determine the density of an object.
