Density of Soda Investigation
Chemistry
Name:
Date:
Per:
My role(s) for this activity is/are:
Directions: Work as a group to reach a consensus on each question. Write all answers in complete
sentences, and use supporting evidence from the model whenever possible. Stop when you reach a stop
sign and check in with your instructor. If you finish early, use remaining time to fill in your notes organizer.
Why?
Density is a physical property of a substance and is often used to identify what substance it is. Density is the
ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume. Density can be computed by using the equation
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Mass and volume measurements can be made in the laboratory. Mass can be determined by using a
balance. If the object has a regular shape, such as a cube or cylinder, volume can be calculated from length
measurements. However, most objects have irregular shapes, and the volume must be determined
indirectly. One way to measure the volume of an irregularly shaped item that does not dissolve in or react
with water is by water displacement. An item that is entirely submerged in water will displace a volume of
water equal to its volume.
It is necessary to use the proper units when calculating the density of a substance. Densities of liquids and
solids are usually expressed in terms of g/mL or g/cm3. Densities of gasses are expressed in g/L.
1. How is mass for an irregular object calculated?
2. How is volume for an irregular object calculated? Describe the process of water displacement and
HOW this process can be used to calculate the volume of the object.
3. In your box you will find a small dinosaur. Calculate the density of the dinosaur. Record your
measurements and calculations in the table, and describe the process you used to get these
numbers in words.
Measurement
Mass of the
Dinosaur
Volume of the
Dinosaur
Density of the
Dinosaur
Chemistry, Lallemand, 14-15
Investigate!
Testable Question: How will the type of soda, Coke, Diet Coke, or Coke Zero, affect the density? The
materials you have access to are listed below. Develop a hypothesis, a detailed procedure, and a neat data
table on which to collect your results. Note: you cannot open the cans 
Materials:
Graduated cylinders
(1000mL)
Beakers (1000mL)
Coke
Diet Coke
Coke Zero
Balances
Rulers
Meter sticks
Water
4. Hypothesis:
5. Be sure your detailed procedure includes:
 logical steps to do the experiment
 two controlled (kept the same) variables
 one manipulated (independent) variable



one responding (dependent) variable
how often measurements should be
taken and record
6. Data Table:
Chemistry, Lallemand, 14-15
Read This!
Scientists often do multiple trials to ensure precision and accuracy in their data. Precision refers to
repeatability. When scientists make a measurement, they want several repetitions of that measurement to
be close together. Accuracy refers to how close data are to an accepted value. When making measurements,
taking several measurements of the same item, then averaging the measurements ensures that the data will
be more accurate; closer to the actual value of the measurement taken, for the item measured.
7. Send your document controller to two other groups to collect data from those groups. They should
record the data in the table below, and report back the original group.
Type of Soda vs. Density
Type of Soda
Your Group
Another
Group
Another
Group
Average
Coke
Diet Coke
Coke Zero
8. As a group, average the density for the coke, the diet coke, and the coke zero and record your
averages in the appropriate spaces on the table.
9. Write a conclusion for your investigation. Be sure to include the following in your conclusion:
 Answer the experimental/field study question.
 Include supporting data from the Manipulated (Independent) Variable vs. Responding
(Dependent) Variable table.
 Explain how these data support your conclusion.
 Provide a scientific explanation for the trend in the data.
Chemistry, Lallemand, 14-15
Extension Questions
Directions: Use the problem solving steps to solve the questions below. (List knowns and unknowns, write
the formula, rearrange the formula, plug in numbers, solve, and write the answer with appropriate
significant figures and units). Take your time and work carefully!
10. Graph the following data with the volume on the x-axis and the mass on the y-axis. Then calculate
the slope of the line. What does the slope represent?
Density Data
Volume
Mass (g)
(mL)
2.0 mL
5.4 g
4.0 mL
10.8 g
6.0 mL
16.2 g
8.0 mL
21.6 g
10.0 mL
27.0 g
Slope Calculation:
11. You record the following observation in your lab book: A liquid is viscous and has a density of 4.58
g/mL. Which portion of your observation is qualitative? Which portion of your observation is
quantitative? Support your response.
12. A 23 g sample of ethanol has a density of 0.79 g/mL. What is the mass of the ethanol sample?
13. An object with a mass of 7.5 g raises the level of water in a graduated cylinder from 25.1 mL to 30.1
mL. What is the density of the object?
14. The density of aluminum is 2.7 g/mL. What is the volume of 8.1 g of aluminum?
15. A sample has a density of 4 g/mL and a volume of 5 mL. What is the mass of the sample?
Chemistry, Lallemand, 14-15