FACT SHEET FOR DENSITY EXERCISE:
Definitions:
Quantitative Data: a numerical measurement. ( root of the word is_____________)
Qualitative Data: the quality of something, color, smell, appearance, something that is not numerical
Direct Measurement: a measurement that can be made with a single tool such as a ruler, triple beam balance or
graduated cylinder.
Indirect measurement: measurements that can not be made directly with a single tool such as a ruler, triple beam
balance or graduated cylinder. This measurement must be calculated from other values, it is also often called a
“Calculated Measurement”
Density – a measure of the mass that is present in a set amount of volume. The units of measure of density are a mass
divided by a volume. The Greek letter rho (pronounced “row”) is the math symbol used to represent density.
(Sometimes the letter “D” is used)
The Equation for Density is:
𝜌=
𝑚
𝑣
where = density in g/cc, m = mass (g) and v = volume (cc or cm3)
LAST NAME_______________________ FIRST NAME________________________ DATE________
Measurement Lab 5, – 1.5 Density (and Indirect Measurement) ( 10 points)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will learn to make the indirect measurement of density of a sample substance.
Goal: Learn how to make the measurements and calculations to obtain density. Use the measurement of Density to
determine the identity of the substance you are given.
STEP 1: MATERIALS: Make a List of the Tools and other Materials You Will Need to Complete This Lab
STEP 2: PROCEDURE:
(Write a procedure of how you will determine the density of your sample. Include the following: Diagrams, what you are measuring,
what tool(s) you will use, what you are recording, and any tables you will use to record your data
Have this checked before you move on._________
STEP 3: Follow Your Procedure To Make the Appropriate Measurements
 Obtain the Sample You Have Been Assigned or Select One at Random (If you are not assigned one) and the
Tools You Will Need for Your Measurements
 Create a Table for your Data and Record your data below. (Uncertainty must be included)
 You are not making any calculations now, Do that on the back of this sheet.
Have this checked before you move on._________
STEP 4: Calculate
 Write the Equation for volume you will use (with no numbers, only use variables)
 State the values you know (Example: Length = 7.2 cm, width = 2.4 cm, Height = 2.0 cm)
 Show the numbers plugged into the equation.
 Complete the Calculation and include the uncertainty
 Do the same for the Density.
Convert the calculated density value to match the units on the Table of Densities of Wood . You will need the following
Unit Conversions:
1kg = 1000 g,
1 m3 = 1,000,000 cm3
Have this checked before you move on._________
STEP 5: Qualitatively Describe the Sample You Have
Color, grain size, color variation, any observation you can make etc.
STEP 6 : DETERMINE THE MATERIAL OF YOUR SAMPLE
 Simply saying “ Wood” is not enough, find out what kind of wood and verify this with the density.
 Examples of wood types available at a lumber yard or wood specialist: Poplar, Maple, Birch, Pine, Spruce, Oak,
Cherry, Mahogany, Walnut,
 IF you do not know wood well, take a picture (after class) and show an expert. ( Ask a parent? Ask another
teacher? Ask someone at the hardware store?) Be sure to document the person that you ask by name.
 Verify your information with density data found online.
Have this checked before you hand this in._________
ANALYSIS QUESTIONS (To be copied into your Lab Journal and answered there completely)
1. Is Density a DIRECT or INDIRECT MEASURMENT? (Explain)
2. What is the Density of your substance? (Include the UNCERTAINTY)
3. If the sample were cut into unequal pieces would the pieces have the same mass?
4. If the sample were cut into unequal pieces would the pieces have the same density?
5. Were you able to identify the material with a good sense of certainty? (Explain why or why you are not
certain of your answer)
Wood Densities
Table of Wood
Density
Wood
(kg/m3)
Alder
400 - 700
Apple
650 - 850
Ash, white
650 - 850
Balsa
Bamboo
160
300 - 400
Cedar , white
350
Cedar, western red
380
Cherry, European
630
Chestnut, sweet
560
Ebony
1100 - 1300
Hemlock, western
500
Hickory
830
Locust
650 - 700
Mahogany, African
500 - 850
Mahogany, Cuban
660
Mahogany, Honduras
650
Mahogany, Spanish
850
Maple
Meranti, dark red
Oak
600 - 750
710
600 - 900
Oak, American Red
740
Oak, American White
770
Oregon Pine
530
Pine, white
350 - 500
Redwood, American
Spruce
450
400 - 700
UNITS , UNITS, UNITS, BE CAREFUL
Your measurements will not give you the same
units as presented in this table. You will have to
convert your calculated value to match the units
of this table. Be careful.