Victor Guan 630

3/5/14 Science
Density Column Challenge
Introduction
The goal of this lab is to perform 3 trails and predict the order of 5 liquids (oil, alcohol,
water, shampoo, and syrup). The liquids have to create a clear density column. A successful
density column is a liquid, one beneath the other without one layer sinking below. There are two
outcomes to this lab. One outcome is to that all the liquids create clear layers. The other outcome
is that the one liquid with sink beneath another layer.
The prediction of our group was syrup at the bottom, then shampoo, water, oil, and
finally alcohol on the top. Our group believed the liquids went from greatest to least density.
Materials
-50 mL of water
-50 mL of syrup
-50 mL of shampoo
-50 mL of alcohol
-50 mL of oil
-paper towels
-5 mini beakers
-mini graduated cylinder
-large graduated cylinder
-pencil or pen
-lab sheet
-calculator (optional)
-scale (in grams)
Procedure
Step 1: Set up the lab by pouring the liquids into the mini beakers.
Step 2: Conduct a mini trails by using the mini graduated cylinder and 2 liquids, (only pour a
little[and slowly, for accurrate measures]) to make a conclusion about both liquids. There are 2
possible results. The first is the layer on top is denser, which means the liquid on top is less
dense . The second result will result in the layer on top sinking below the layer on the bottom,
which the layer on top is more dense.
Step 3: After conducting the trail and coming up with results rinse out the mini trails and then
dry with paper towels.
Step 4: Chart the data you have collected using your lab sheet and a pencil/pen.
Step 5: Repeat Step 2-4 for Trail 2.
Step 6: Repeat Step 2-4 for Trail 3.
Step 7: Using the information you have collected so far to create predictions for a
successfuldensity columnof the five liquids (from greatest to least dense).
Step 8: Conduct your predictions that you've mad in Step 7 on the large graduated cylinder (if
your predictions fail it's okay[do not redo this!]).
Step 9: Go to the weighing station
Step 10: Weigh the liquids in the container (their volume should be 50 mL)
Step 11: Find the Net Mass by subtracting the mass of the container (10 grams)
Step 12: Find the density(Net mass divided by volume). For example, to measure divide the Net
mass (40.9 grams) by volume (50 mL) to get 1 ( rounded to the nearest hundredths)
Data















Liquid Total Mass Net Mass Volume Density
(rounded to the
nearest
hundredths)
Syrup 77.3 grams 67.3 grams 50 mL 1.35 g/mL
Shampoo 60.5 grams 50.5 grams 50 mL 1.01 g/mL
Water 56.9 grams 46.9 grams 50 mL 0.94 g/mL
Alcohol 50.9 grams 40.9 grams 50 mL 1.00 g/mL
Oil 53.0 grams 43.0 grams 50 mL 0.86 g/mL

Conclusion
From the data, gragh does support the team's predictions because it matches the order of
the team's density column. This also supports the team's prediction because in proves that our
thoghts about the order was correct. Though our group was successful, there could have been
many limitations to ruin an experiment's data and density column. There are such limitations like
the amount of force you put into pouring the liquids, or the amount of liquid used, or the mass
read on the scale, or any other limation that could make an experiment unsuccessful. There are
many ways to mess up an experiment so take accurate measurses for better results.
This lab relates to the atmosphere because it teaches kids how to find density
(mass/volume=density). This also allows kid to make better predictions without having to solve
for density. Finally this is a good learning experince about the atmosphere itself. As you go
higher up in the atmosphere the is less density and molcules because gravity pulls most of it
down. This is the same with a density column because there is less density as you go above each
layer of liquid. This proves the lab supports how it relates to the big topic of the atmosphere.