This lab makes use of rotational equilibrium and buoyant forces to determine the density of an unknown fluid.
The equipment needed includes: a meter stick pivoted at its center of mass, a triple beam balance (or digital scale), an known mass (a 100-gram hooked mass), a mass hanger (50 grams), a 100-gram slotted mass, a graduated cylinder, a Styrofoam cup, water, and some oil with an unknown density.
The first part of the lab involves calibrating the equipment, then you will calculate the oil's unknown density using water as your standard. Part I: Calibration Initially, submerge the 100-gram hooked mass into a given volume of water in a graduated cylinder to measure its volume using Archimedes' Principle. Once you have your readings, remove the mass from the water and dry it off. |