8 Density PRACTICAL 2018 (pHet simulation)

Part 1: Get to Know the Simulation

 
Directions:  
1. Go to phet.colorado.edu/sims/density-and-buoyancy/density_en.html      
2. Use the simulation to answer the questions on this handout.

You should see a picture of a 2kg block of wood floating in 102 L of water. Click on the wood and take it out of the water.

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What is the volume of the water now? (don't forget the units)

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By how much did the volume of water change? (don't forget the units)

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Is this the volume of the block of wood? Why or why not?

Use the in the control box in the top left of the screen to play around with the block and answer the questions that follow.

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Use the green triangle to make the mass of the wood block around 5 kg. Does the wood still float?

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What happens to the volume of the wood as you make the mass smaller?

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What happens to the volume of the wood as you make the mass bigger?

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What happens to the density of the wood as you make the mass bigger or smaller?

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What is the density of Brick? (don't forget the units)

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If aluminium has a mass of 8.56kg, what will its volume be? (don't forget the units)

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Click on “Reset All” in the bottom right hand corner. Click on the circle for “Same Mass.” on the top right side of the screen.
All blocks now have a mass of 5 kg.
Which colour blocks float?

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What density value will determine whether the block floats ?

 Part 2: Calculating Density 

-Click on “Mystery” in the upper right hand corner. 
-You will see 5 blocks labeled A, B, C, D, and E.  
-One at a time, take a block, lower it into the liquid, and record its volume. If it floats, you will need to 
  hold it under the water to record its volume. 
-Use the scale to determine each block’s mass. 
-Then Calculate each block’s density.  *Remember density = mass ÷ volume. 


Record your results in the table below. (Round off to 2 decimal places)

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Click on the green “Show Table” button in the upper right hand corner. Your job is to determine 
what material each block is made from. 

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A:

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B:

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C:

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D:

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Part 1: Get to Know the Simulation

What is the volume of the water now? (don't forget the units)

By how much did the volume of water change? (don't forget the units)

Is this the volume of the block of wood? Why or why not?

Use the green triangle to make the mass of the wood block around 5 kg. Does the wood still float?

What happens to the volume of the wood as you make the mass smaller?

What happens to the volume of the wood as you make the mass bigger?

What happens to the density of the wood as you make the mass bigger or smaller?

What is the density of Brick? (don't forget the units)

If aluminium has a mass of 8.56kg, what will its volume be? (don't forget the units)

Click on “Reset All” in the bottom right hand corner. Click on the circle for “Same Mass.” on the top right side of the screen.All blocks now have a mass of 5 kg. Which colour blocks float?

What density value will determine whether the block floats ?

Part 2: Calculating Density

A:

B:

C:

D:

E:

Click on “Reset All” in the bottom right hand corner. Click on the circle for “Same Mass.” on the top right side of the screen.
All blocks now have a mass of 5 kg.
Which colour blocks float?