Name:

Date:
Period:

Measurement and Density Day 1

OBJECTIVE(S):
Students will be able to determine the appropriate metric
unit of measurement for a given situation.
Students will be able to measure accurately with lab
equipment.
Students will be able to determine the density of an
irregularly shaped object.

WARM UP (5pts)
Grab your apron and goggles, tie your hair back and make sure
you are wearing close-toe shoes.

TOGETHER (10)

In chemistry, we use the metric system. Here are the basic metric
units of measurement:
Measure mass in
Measure volume in
Measure distance in
Measure time in
Temperature
Amount of a substance

What do we use to measure a liquid in lab?

How to measure using a graduated cylinder:

How to use a scale:

How do you find the density of an irregularly shaped object?

Uncertainty in measurement

You have to
ON YOUR OWN (10)

The Penny Density Activity

An Investigation of Density

Background information: In 1982, the high price of copper led the U.S.
government to change the composition of the one-
cent coin. Previously an alloy of 95% copper and 5%
another metal, since 1983 all pennies have been an
alloy with mostly another metal (95%) and only
coated with 5% copper. By investigating the physical
property of density of pennies minted before 1982
and after 1983, you will determine their different
densities and identify the other metal making up the core of pennies
after 1983. Density is a measure of how much matter is packed into
a certain amount of space, or a relationship between the mass and
volume of a substance. It is calculated through the formula:

Density = mass/volumeD =
m/V
Purpose:

To determine the relationship between mass and density for both the
pre and post 1982 pennies.

Materials:

25 pre 1982 pennies 25 post 1983 pennies

electronic balance graduated cylinder water

Procedure: Determining densities of the pre 1982 and post 1983

pennies

Work with one set of pennies at a time and

PLEASE DO NOT MIX THEM or you will mix the
years !
1. Find the mass of 5, then 10, 15, 20, and 25 pennies and record in Data
Table 1-1.
2. Using water displacement, determine the volume of 5, then 10, 15, 20,
and 25 pennies and record in Data Table 1-1. Slide pennies in ONE
at a time or you will crack the bottom of the glass graduated
cylinder by dropping all in at the same time.
3. Calculate the density for each set of pennies and record in Data Table
1-1.
4. Calculate the averages of the pre 1982 and the post 1983 pennies in
Data Table 1-2.
5. Graph the data for both sets of pennies on the same graph grid,
graphing volume of pennies on the x-axis and mass of pennies on the
y-axis.

Data Table 1-1: Mass, volume and density of the pre 1982 and post
1983 pennies.

Numb Pre 1982 Post 1983

er of Volum Densit
Penni
Volum Densit
Mass e y Mass
es e y
( ) ( ( ( )
( ) ( )
) )

10

15

20

25

Data Table 1-2: Average Densities of the pre 1982 and post 1983
pennies.

$$$ Density
( )

Pre 1982
Pennies

Post 1983
Pennies
Data Analysis: Graph the information from Data Table 1-1 on the graph
paper provided. Dont forget DAT RULEBe sure to label all the parts
properly.
D = data points
A = axes (x is volume, y is mass)
T = titlebe sure you have one!
R = ruleruse one!
U = unitsinclude the units for volume (mL) and for mass (g) on the axes
L = labelsinclude your labels of mass and volume on the proper axes
E = even intervalbe sure you space your intervals evenly

HINT: It might help if you turn the graph paper sideways.

Discussion:

Using your data and analysis, write a proper discussion section. You should have 3
paragraphs.
Paragraph one is where you make your CLAIM (results) and back it with
EVIDENCE from your data table AND your graph.
Paragraph 2 is where you give your sources of errorlist at least 3.
Paragraph 3 is where you give examples of further research or other density
experiments that could be done.

Conclusion:

Write a proper conclusion paragraph of what was discovered/learned and also

respond to the questions below.