Name: ______________________________________ Date:

_____________
Cohort: ______________________________

~Lab: Density - soap, block, and balls~

Objective:
Determine some physical properties of soap samples and predict how they would behave if
placed in water. Also place objects in water and compare their densities

PROCEDURE:

1. To protect the soap samples DO NOT take them out of the plastic bag and DO NOT place the
soap in the water. Disregard the effect of the plastic for all measurement and calculations
2. Use the data table below to record all your answers to questions 3 - 6

Substance Mass (g) Volume (cm3) Density (g/cm3)

Soap A

Soap B

Block

3. Measure the mass of soap A, soap B, and the block using the balance & record the values to
the nearest 0.1g in the data table.
4. Measure the length, width, and height of soap A to the nearest 0.1cm. Record these dimensions
in the space below. Substitute your values in the formula provided & use your calculator to
determine the volume of soap A. Record your value to the nearest 0.1cm3 in the data table.

WORK SPACE

Length = ___________ cm Width = ______________ cm Height = ______________

cm

Volume = Length x Width x Height = _________________________________ cm3

5. For soap A substitute your values for mass and volume in the formula provided. Then use the
calculator to determine the density of soap A. Show your work in the space provided. Record
your answer to the nearest 0.1g/cm3 in the data table

WORK SPACE

Density = mass
 Volume

6. Notice that the density of soap B has been provided in the data table. For soap B substitute your
values for mass and density in the formula provided then use the calculator to find the volume of
soap B. Show your work in the space provided. Record your answer to the nearest 0.1cm3 in the
data table

WORK SPACE

Density = mass
Volume

7. Measure the length, width, and height of the block to the nearest 0.1cm. Record these
dimensions in the space below. Substitute your values in the formula provided & use your
calculator to determine the volume of the block. Record your value to the nearest 0.1cm3 in the
data table.

WORK SPACE

Length = ___________ cm Width = ______________ cm Height = ______________

cm

Volume = Length x Width x Height = _________________________________ cm3

8. For the block substitute your values for mass and volume in the formula provided. Then use the
calculator to determine the density of the block. Show your work in the space provided. Record
your answer to the nearest 0.1g/cm3 in the data table

WORK SPACE

Density = mass
Volume

9. The diagram below represents a glass container with water. Think about what would happen if
soap A and soap B were removed from the plastic bag and placed in this container (DO NOT
ACTUALLY REMOVE THEM!)
 Base your answers to questions 10 and 11 on the values in your data table.

10. Which block in the diagram above shows where soap A would be if it were placed in the
container of water
(Circle one) Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
11. Which block in the diagram above shows where soap B would be if it were placed in the
container of water
(Circle one) Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4

12. Assume that an ice cube were also added to the container. Based on your prior knowledge
sketch and label in the picture below where you think the ice cube would be.

13. If the same 4 object (soap A, soap B, Block, and ice) were placed in ocean water explain IN
COMPLETE SENTENCES what you think would happen to the way they would float.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________
14. Take the rubber ball and the styrofoam ball out of the bag. Place them in the plastic cup with
water and observe the position of the balls in the water. Based on your observations how does
the density of the rubber ball compare with the density of the styrofoam ball? Explain your
answer.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________