Matter D2: Density

FQ:  How does density allow us to identify substances?

1.  Introduce Project:  Raleigh Mystery Solvers!

You are part of a team of investigative forensic researchers called in to help identify substances that have been found across several residences as part of a missing persons case.  Detectives need your help to carefully identify these substances as they are vital clues to solving the mystery!

2.  POGIL Activity:  Density  Complete with your group.

3. Lab:  Calculate density and reactivity with acid of the mystery substances!

Need help measuring and calculating density in the lab?  Use this guide / practice.

Different substances and mixtures have different densities. The density of matter is actually the amount of matter in a given space. The amount of matter is measured by its mass, and the space matter takes up is measured by its volume. Therefore, the density of matter can be calculated with this formula:

Example: Assume, for example, that a book has a mass of 500 g and a volume of 1000 cm³. Then the density of the book is:

Density     =      mass / volume     =      500 g / 1000 cm³     =      0.5 g/cm³$$$$

Q: What is the density of a liquid that has a volume of 30 mL and a mass of 300 g?

A: The density of the liquid is:

Density     =      mass / volume     =      300 g / 30 mL     =     10 g/mL

4.  Practice

Click "Take Quiz" below to practice density calculations and learn how this is related to sinking / rising.