How to Measure the Formula for Density
The density of a substance describes the relationship between the mass and volume of the substance or how much matter is in a given space. The formula for density is mass divided by volume (density = mass/volume). Although the mass and volumes of a substance may be changed, the density will remain the same since an increase or decrease in mass will result in a corresponding increase or decrease in volume. For example, if a substance has a density of 1 g/mL, then one gram of water will occupy a volume of one milliliter. Ten grams of water will occupy a volume of 10 milliliters. In either case, the density of the water is still 1 g/mL.
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Instructions
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Set the balance to zero. A triple-beam balance is zeroed by setting the sliding weights to read zero with the pan empty and then observing the balance mark. If the balance mark is off, then use the zero adjust knob located beneath the pan to adjust the balance mark so that it reads level.
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Measure the mass of an empty graduated cylinder. Record the mass of the empty graduated cylinder.
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Use the graduated cylinder to measure a volume of liquid. Record the volume of the substance.
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Measure the mass of the graduated cylinder containing a known volume of the liquid. Record the mass of the graduated cylinder and liquid.
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Subtract the mass of the empty graduated cylinder from the mass of the graduated cylinder containing the liquid to determine the mass of just the liquid. (Mass of liquid = mass of full cylinder - mass of empty cylinder).
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Calculate the density of the substance by dividing the mass by the volume (density = mass/volume).
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Repeat the experiment for different masses or volumes of the same liquid. The density should calculate the same in each case. Errors are likely the result of poor measurement.
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