mystery cubes

Mystery CubesUsing Density to Identify Matter

What is Density?

Density is . . .Density=Mass/VolumeMass: The amount of “stuff” in an

object. The amount of matter/material in an object.

Volume: The amount of space an object takes up.

Big Mass, Small Volume (High Density):

Small Mass, Big Volume (Low Density):

Density is . . .How “tightly the matter is

packed” into an object.Consider the cylinders. All five

had 15 grams of mass, but some were bigger. The smaller cylinders were “packed tighter” (higher density) while the larger cylinders were not “packed as tightly” (lower density).

= 1 gram

Things to consider:These are borrowed materials.

(Please treat them with respect.)Be sure to zero in your balance

before you start to take measurements.

Everyone should practice finding both mass and volume.

Don’t forget units of measurement.

Differences in DataTheoretical Data

◦ What should happen

◦ Sometimes Called Ideal Data

◦ Found in tables and reference materials

Actual Data◦ What you

measure◦ Not always exact

due to human error or lack of precise tools

◦ Sometimes differ from Theoretical Data

What are the units of measurement for density?1 cm3 = 1 mL (= 1cc)1 g = the mass of 1 mL of waterWhat is the density of water?Density is measured in: g/cm3 or

g/mL