Determination of Common Metals

Lab #2: Determination of the Density of Common Metals

Introduction: Density(p), an inherent property of an object, is calculated based upon the

following ratio, or calculations:

ρ =

mass

---------volume

In order to this obtain our density, we must calculate for volume: V = π R2 L, as well as

mass, which we will do by weighing the objects on a digital readout scale.

Because it is the objective of this lab to determine the density of certain metals, it is

therefore necessary we first obtain the appropriate measurements and weight of

the various metals prior to calculating for p. When this has been accomplished,

we will then calculate our density and then apply these numbers to already

established values, such as that of water, whose density has been determined to

be 1 gram/cm^3, so that we may compare.

Procedure: In this lab, we will be using six cylindrically formed metals to measure,

weigh, and calculate for density. These six metals are as follows: Zinc(Zn),

Aluminum(Al), Iron(Fe), Copper(Cu), Tin(Sn), and Brass. Using a caliper to

quantify, as well as the digital readout scale, we have defined our mass and

volume, and subsequently, used that to determine the density of the aforementioned metals. Upon completion, by using a website which contains already

established values for density, we have compared our results.

Observation: When measuring for volume, cubic centimeters were used to find the

diameter and length, while the unit of measurement used to determine mass was

grams. With that in mind, the measurements taken our caliper as well as scale,

are recorded here:

Cylinder

Diameter (cm)

Length (cm)

Mass (grams)

Zinc

1.043

5.008

30.85

Aluminum

1.022

4.983

11.19

Iron

1.021

4.231

27.55

Copper

1.024

4.232

31.20

Tin

1.031

4.937

30.24

Brass

1.036

2.546

18.18

While the caliper measured the diameter, it is radius that we need in order to

calculate for...