Name: _____________________________
Block: ______ Date: _________________
Density Lab
Purpose:
Design an experiment to determine the density of a given metal with as little percent error as possible.
Equipment:
Use your equipment sheet provided to you (#4) to list the equipment you would like to use to carry out
your procedure.
Procedure:
You will be given a sample of a metal and will need to design an experiment to determine the identity.
Your procedure should be in an organized, step by step manner that anyone else could follow and expect
to obtain close to the same results (repeatable). When you working in the lab, if you find that you wish to
change part of the procedure, put one line through the part you wish to change and write what you intend
to do.
Data:
The data you collect should be organized into an easily readable table.
Use the graph grid to sketch a graph of mass vs. volume. Remember the x-axis is the independent axis
and the y-axis is the dependent axis. Don’t forget a title, labels, and an appropriate scale.
Percent Error:
After calculating your density, get the actual density of the metal you are working with. Calculate your
percent error. SHOW ALL YOUR WORK! You will be graded on what your percent error was as
follows:
 0-30% = 10 points
 31-46% = 8.5 points
 47-62% = 7 points
 63-78% = 5.5 points
 79-94% = 4 points
 95-110% = 2.5 points
 Greater than 110% = 0
Error Analysis:
Write an error analysis that is specific to YOUR lab. Do not state human error, but rather talk about how
you did and/or could improve the procedure to reduce your percent error. Make sure your error reflects
your data. For example, if you density was too high, you should only talk about errors that would cause
your density to be too high and suggest ways to improve that error.