Determination of the density of solids

Principle

In the previous experiments on determination of mass and volume (ME 1.3 and ME 1.4), the students have learned that both metal columns have the same volume but different masses. They know that the two objects consist of iron and aluminium. Obviously, the two materials differ in one property. In terms of physics, this property is called density; it is defined as the quotient of mass and volume:

? = m/V  in g/cm³

The students are to determine the mass of four solid objects by weighing them. The volumes of the regularly shaped objects are to be established by measuring them with the vernier calliper and then calculating, using V = l  × w  × h ; the volume of the mass piece by using the immersion method.

Task

In which properties do bodies with the same volumes but different weights differ?

Mass and volume of a wood column, of an iron column, of an aluminum column and of a weight from the weight set are determined. The density of these objects is calculated.

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