How to Discover the Density of Liquids
The density of a liquid is its mass per unit volume and may calculated as m/v where m is its mass and v is its volume. A hydrometer may be used to determine the liquid's specific gravity and therefore the density. The specific gravity of a liquid is equal to its density when the density is measured in units of grams per milliliter (g/ml.)
Instructions
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Fill a clear container with a sample of the liquid and place the hydrometer carefully into the liquid. Spin the hydrometer while it's in the liquid to dislodge all any air bubbles that may be clinging to the hydrometer's side. Allow the hydrometer's vertical position in the liquid to stabilize.
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Hold the container so that the surface of the liquid is at eye level. Observe the mark on the hydrometer's scale at the surface level of the liquid and record the associated value. This value is the density of the liquid in g/ml.
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Measure the temperature of the liquid with the thermometer and record this value along with the density. The density of the liquid must be associated with a temperature since its density varies according to temperature.
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Divide the weight of the liquid by its volume as an alternate method of determining its density. This method is typically more difficult than using a hydrometer but it can be more accurate.
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