Lab Stations--Questions

Below I have posted each procedure with all guiding questions from our Lab today. Please check to make sure you have answered all questions completely and provided evidence when necessary. Make sure that you following proper graphing procedures for lab station number 2!! (use a ruler, pencil and graph paper, label all axis and give your graph a title)

Station 1--How Much Mass??

In this lab, you will compare the mass, volume, and type of matter in a variety of objects.

Materials List:
• balance
• balloon, small
• golf ball
• handball
• marshmallow
• pumice stone
• rock
• various other
objects

PROCEDURE
1. Do not touch the objects your teacher provides. Write down your observations about each object.
2. Based on your observations, list the objects in order from least mass to greatest mass.
3. Pick up each object, one at a time. Write your observations about the mass of each object .
4. Based on your observations from Step 3, create a new list of the objects in order from least mass to greatest mass.
5. Use the balance to measure and record the mass of each object to the nearest 0.1gram. Record the mass of each object.
6. Based on your measurements from Step 5, create a new list of the objects in order from least mass to greatest mass.
7. What information did you use to decide what the order of the objects should be in Step 2?
8. Why was it difficult to determine the object’s mass based on visual observations alone?
9. In what way did your original list change after you were allowed to hold the objects?

10. How did your list change after you actually measured the mass of each object? Were you surprised by any of the results?


Station 2—Comparing Mass and Weight

In this lab, you will compare the mass and weight of five different objects using a balance and a spring scale.

MATERIALS
For each group
• balance
• graph paper
• small objects (5)
• spring scale

PROCEDURE
1. Create a data table like the one below in your notes.

2. Using a triple-beam or electronic balance, measure the masses of five small objects. Record the masses in grams in your data table.
3. Using a spring scale, find the weights of the same five objects. Record the weights in consistent units.
4. On a piece of graph paper, make a graph of weight versus mass using your five objects. (x axis—mass; y axis—weight) In the space below, write a sentence that describes the relationship between weight and mass.
5. Gravity is a force of attraction between Earth and all other objects. What was stopping the objects from being pulled to the ground as you measured them?


Station 3—Investigating Irregular Solids!

In this lab, you will determine the volume of an irregularly shaped object and then calculate it’s density using the formula D=m/v.

MATERIALS
• graduated cylinder
• various objects, solid
• water
• Balance

PROCEDURE
1. Make a data table on your paper, like the one below, to record your data in your notes
2. Find the mass of one of the small object using an electronic balance and record it in your data table. Be sure to include your unit of measurement.
3. Fill a 100 mL graduated cylinder to about the 50 mL mark with water. Read the volume at the meniscus, and record your reading.
4. Tip the graduated cylinder, and slide a solid metal object into the cylinder.
5. Carefully read the new level of water in the graduated cylinder, and record your results.
6. Subtract your first measurement from the second measurement to determine the objects volume. Use cubic centimeters as your unit of measurement. how your work.
7. Now calculate the density of your object using the formula D=m/v.
Show your work and be sure to use the appropriate unit of measurement.

Complete steps 1-7 for all of the objects at station 3


Station 4—Sink or Float??

In this lab, you will calculate the densities of several objects. You will then use a tub of water to determine how each objects density relates to its ability or inability to float in water.

Materials
• Balance
• Ruler
• Plastic tub
• Water
• Various regular solids

PROCEDURE:
1. On your paper construct a data table like the one below.
2. Select one regular solid and record its identity in the table.
3. Make a prediction as to whether or not you think this object will sink or float in the tub of water. Record your prediction in the data table. Do this for each object at your station
4. Use your ruler and balance to determine the objects mass and volume (remember v=lwh. Do this for each object at your station
5. Calculate the density of the object using the data that you have collected. Remember d=m/v. Do this for each object at your station.
6. Place the object in the tub of water gently. Record your observations. Do this for each object at your station.
7. The density of water is 1 g/cm3. Examine your data. Which if any, of your objects are denser than water. Which objects are less dense than water.
8. Based on your results, how can you use densities to predict whether an object will sink or float in a given liquid?
9. CONNECTION TO SPACE UNIT!!! What do you remember about the density differences between terrestrial planets and gas giants. Now that you have explored the densities of different objects can you make a connection between the composition of terrestrial planets/gas giants and their densities? Explain.