✏️ You will need a piece of paper for this lab.
For each unknown: collect the measurements → record them on paper → calculate density → use the reference tables → identify the substance.
Density Reference Tables
Compare your calculated density with the values below to identify each unknown. Densities are approximate values measured near room temperature.
Metals
| Substance | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|
| Magnesium | 1.74 |
| Aluminum | 2.70 |
| Titanium | 4.51 |
| Zinc | 7.14 |
| Iron | 7.87 |
| Tin | 7.31 |
| Copper | 8.96 |
| Silver | 10.49 |
| Lead | 11.34 |
Liquids
| Liquid | Approx. Density (g/mL) |
|---|---|
| Ethanol | 0.79 |
| Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) | 0.88 |
| Mineral Oil | 0.84–0.87 |
| Vegetable Oil | 0.91–0.93 |
| Water | 1.00 |
| Dish Soap | 1.03–1.06 |
| Glycerol (Glycerin) | 1.26 |
| Corn Syrup | 1.33–1.38 |
Identify Your Unknowns
Use the densities you calculated on your paper and the Density Reference Tables to identify each unknown.
Unknown Metals
Unknown Liquids
🕵️ CASE CLOSED!
You correctly identified all 8 unknown substances using density. Nice work, Density Detective!
You correctly identified all 8 unknown substances using density. Nice work, Density Detective!
🔎 One Last Thought — Answer on Your Paper
Your math can be correct even if your experimental density does not exactly match the accepted value.
How could measurement error affect your calculated density and cause you to identify the wrong substance?