How do I Make a Hydrometer Easily?
A simple science experiment illustrating the density of different liquids involves using liquids of various densities with a hydrometer, an instrument which measures density based on how deeply it floats in a liquid. Water, oils, soda and even wine can be measured by its relative "weight" in the say way, telling us how "thick" or "heavy" the liquid may seem to our senses. Scientifically precise hydrometers can run into the hundreds of dollars to buy, but you can make a simple hydrometer at home with a few common items in about five minutes.
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Things You'll Need
- Drinking straw
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Waterproof marker
- Small amount of modeling clay, wax or Silly Putty
- Two clear drinking glasses
- Salt
- Spoon
Instructions
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1
Cut the drinking straw to a length of about five inches. If the straw has a bending portion, cut that portion off, leaving a straight piece of straw for your hydrometer.
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2
Mark graduated lines on the straw at quarter inch increments using your ruler and a waterproof marker. The lines need not be labeled; simply mark them clearly so that they'll be visible through the liquids you'll be testing.
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3
Attach a small piece of modeling clay, wax or Silly Putty to one end of the straw, so that the end is completely sealed and enough is left over to provide a balancing weight at that end of the hydrometer.
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Test your hydrometer by filling two drinking glasses with water. Add approximately a teaspoon of salt to one of the glasses and mix it into the water with a spoon. Then test your hydrometer by placing it into each of the glasses one at a time, with the sealed end of the hydrometer hanging downward into the water. Note the difference in the depth of the hydrometer based on each glass's density.
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References
- Photo Credit straw image by saied shahinkiya from Fotolia.com
