Density and Buoyancy

PHY 100 & 103

In this experiment, the students will measure the mass and volume of four different objects. From the mass and volume, the students will then calculate the density of each object. The students will also find the weight of each object when completely submerged in water and compare this weight to the weight of the displaced water.

Equipment

Notes

(1) Remove the large mounting rod from the tables and put them in the back room by the lab door. Replace them with the dual-pan balance metal rods. These rods must fit into the mounting hole on the backside of the balance. (2) Each dual pan balance must rest on top of the rods that clamp onto the table clamps. (3) One large paper clip must be hung on the lower rung of the tuning fork shaped rod under the left side of each dual pan balances. Make sure to calibrate the balance to zero with the paper clip. (4) Cut string to approximately 1 meter in length for each table. (5) Assorted masses for each table: golf ball, lead sinker, steel bolt, and black rubber stopper (without holes). (6) Obtain the steel bolts from location S79, bolts at that location are only used for this lab. (7) The lead sinker and the rubber stopper should fit inside the graduated cylinder. However, you should vary the size throughout the room. (8) Put out one box of each type of paper clip for the room.

Make sure that the room has plenty of paper.