What is a required practical for measuring density?

A required practical for measuring density involves determining the mass and volume of an object and then calculating density.

To measure the density of a solid object, you first need to determine its mass using a balance. Ensure the balance is calibrated correctly and place the object on it to record its mass in grams (g). Next, you need to find the volume of the object. For regular-shaped objects like cubes or cylinders, you can measure the dimensions (length, width, height) using a ruler or vernier caliper and then calculate the volume using the appropriate geometric formula. For example, the volume of a cube is found by multiplying its length, width, and height (V = l × w × h).

For irregular-shaped objects, you can use the water displacement method. Fill a graduated cylinder with a known volume of water and record this initial volume. Carefully submerge the object in the water and record the new volume. The difference between the initial and final volumes gives you the volume of the object. Ensure the object is fully submerged and does not touch the sides of the cylinder to get an accurate measurement.

Once you have both the mass and volume, you can calculate the density using the formula:
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \]
Make sure to use consistent units, typically grams for mass and cubic centimetres (cm³) for volume, so the density will be in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³).

For liquids, you can measure the mass of an empty measuring cylinder, then fill it with the liquid and measure the mass again. The difference in mass gives you the mass of the liquid. The volume is directly read from the measuring cylinder. Use the same density formula to find the density of the liquid.

This practical helps you understand the relationship between mass, volume, and density, and it is a fundamental concept in physics that applies to various real-world scenarios.