In this section, you will discover the mass and volume of various objects to determine their densities and buoyancy in a pail of water.

  1. Copy the table in your notes. Complete your work there.
    Shape Mass
    g     		Volume
    ml
    1cm3 = 1ml     		Density of Object
    g/cm3
    Round to the nearest hundredth     		Density of Water
    g/cm3     		Buoyancy
    Did it Float?
    Enter Yes or No
    Charcoal
    Egg
    Gold
    Iron
    Oak Wood
  2. Click on the applet below to begin the activity.
  3. Find the mass of each object by dragging it onto the scale. Record your findings in the table.
  4. Next, place each object into the graduated cylinder to find the volume. Record your findings in the table.
  5. Calculate the density of each object using the formula Density = mass/volume. Record your calculations in the table.
  6. Finally, place each object into the pail of water (not salt water) to observe the buoyancy. Record your findings in the table.

Activity Extension

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device. Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Scroll over the remaining liquid choices to view the densities. Change the liquid in the pail to determine the buoyancy of each object.

 
Source: Interactive Density Lab, US. Department of Energy


Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

Click to check your answers.

Shape Mass
g 		Volume
ml
1cm3 = 1ml 		Density of Object
g/cm3
Round to the nearest hundredth 		Density of Water
g/cm3 		Buoyancy
Did it Float?
Enter Yes or No
Charcoal 3.12 15 0.21 1 Yes
Egg 9.18 9 1.02 1 No
Gold 250.9 13 19.3 1 No
Iron 39 5 7.8 1 No
Oak Wood 11.16 12 0.93 1 Yes
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