Density Column Lab				Name: ________________________

Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of density by calculating the density of seven liquids. Then create a density column where the least dense liquid is on top and the most dense liquid is on the bottom.  

LIQUIDS:  Alcohol, Cooking Oil, Dish Soap, Pancake Syrup, Water, Lamp Oil, Corn Syrup	     
                     (green)      (yellow)        (blue)          (brown)           (red)     (clear)   (light yellow)    

INITIAL PREDICTION  - Examine the list of liquids above.  In the first column below, make a prediction of the relative densities of each item by identifying which liquid is the least dense (on top) and the most dense (on bottom).  Also include your predictions of where the three solids will end up if they were added to this density column.

	Initial Prediction		     Calculated Prediction		      Final Observation

Measurements & Density Calculations	Density = Mass/Volume		D = M/V

Using a graduated cylinder, measure between 10 mL of each liquid in order to calculate the density.  

LIQUIDS	Mass (g) of empty Graduated Cylinder	Mass of G-Cylinder with 10 mL liquid	Mass of Liquid	Volume of Liquid (10 mL)	Density of Liquid (g/mL)	
1)						
2)						
3)						
4)						
5)						
6)						
7)						

CALCULATED  PREDICTIONS – Based on the density calculations above, make a second (new) prediction as to the order of the liquids from least dense (top) to most dense (bottom).  Also include the positions of the three solids.

STOP – Show this information to your teacher before moving on to the next step.

Making OBSERVATIONS When Mixing the Liquids – Add the most dense liquid first (about 2 cm).  Before adding the second liquid, be prepared to make some observations.

1) What did you observe when you added the SECOND liquid?

2) What did you observe when you added the THIRD liquid?

3) What did you observe when you added the FOURTH liquid?

4) What did you observe when you added the FIFTH liquid?

5) What did you observe when you added the SIXTH liquid?

6) What did you observe when you added the SEVENTH (Last) liquid?

FINAL OBSERVATIONS – Complete the last drawing based upon all of your observations – This drawing should include the correct arrangement of liquids.

6) What happened to the alcohol (green) and water (red) when they were mixed?

7) Based on your answer to #6 above, WHY do you think this occurred?

8) Which liquid is more dense, the cooking oil or the lamp oil?  EXPLAIN using your data.

9) If a new liquid (with a density of 0.52 g/mL) were added, where would it be located within the column?

10) Imagine an oil tanker crashed and spilled all of its oil into the ocean.  What happens to the spilled oil?