W
M
(in kg)
(in N/kg)
Measuring Density of
an irregular shape with
a measuring cylinder:
1. Measure items mass
using a balance scale.
2. Fill a measuring
cylinder with water.
Write down the initial
volume.
3. Add the object gently
to the measuring
cylinder and write
down the new value of
volume.
4. The change in volume
is the volume of the
object.
5. Use mass/volume to
calculate the objects
density.
Measuring Density of an
irregular shape with a
displacement can.
1. Measure items mass
using a balance scale.
2. Fill a displacement can
with water and put a
measuring cylinder under
the spout.
3. Add the object gently to
the displacement can.
4. Measure the volume of
water that has been
displaced into the
measuring cylinder. That
is the the volume of the
object.
5. Use mass/volume to
calculate the objects
density.