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How to Find the Density of Liquid in a Graduated Cylinder?

Published in Liquid Density 3 mins read

To find the density of a liquid in a graduated cylinder, you need to determine both its mass and volume and then use the density formula. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Steps to Determine Liquid Density

  1. Measure the Mass of the Empty Graduated Cylinder:

    • Place the empty, dry graduated cylinder on a balance.
    • Record its mass in grams (g).

  2. Add the Liquid:

    • Carefully pour the liquid you want to measure into the graduated cylinder.
    • Take care not to spill any and ensure the liquid surface is at a readable marking on the graduated cylinder.

  3. Measure the Volume of the Liquid:

    • Read the volume of the liquid from the graduated cylinder at the bottom of the meniscus (the curve of the liquid surface).
    • Record this volume in milliliters (mL). Note: 1 mL is equivalent to 1 cubic centimeter (cm³). So you can use these interchangeably as stated in the reference, "you used grams...and you use centimeters cubed...going to end up with grams per centimeters cubed".

  4. Measure the Mass of the Graduated Cylinder with the Liquid:

    • Place the graduated cylinder with the liquid back on the balance.
    • Record the new mass in grams (g).

  5. Calculate the Mass of the Liquid:

    • Subtract the mass of the empty graduated cylinder from the mass of the graduated cylinder with the liquid.
    • This gives you the mass of the liquid alone:
      Mass of Liquid = Mass of (Cylinder + Liquid) - Mass of Empty Cylinder

  6. Calculate the Density:

    • Use the density formula:
      Density = Mass / Volume
    • Divide the mass of the liquid (in grams) by the volume of the liquid (in milliliters or cm³).
    • The result will be the density of the liquid, typically expressed in grams per milliliter (g/mL) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), as indicated in the provided reference: "grams per centimeters cubed".

Example

Measurement Value
Mass of empty cylinder 50 g
Volume of liquid 25 mL
Mass of cylinder + liquid 75 g
Mass of liquid 25 g (75 g - 50 g)
Density of liquid 1 g/mL (25 g / 25 mL)

Key Points

  • Units: Ensure that mass is measured in grams (g) and volume in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cm³) for density to be in g/mL or g/cm³, as detailed in the reference.
  • Meniscus: Always read the liquid volume at the bottom of the meniscus.
  • Accuracy: Handle the graduated cylinder carefully to avoid errors due to spillage or inaccurate readings.

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