Experimental Design / Classroom Activity
Experiment: Measuring Density of Unknown Liquids Using a 100 mL Graduated Cylinder
Objective: Students learn to determine the density of various liquids using precise volumetric measurement and mass comparison.
Materials: 100 mL graduated cylinder, digital balance, distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, vegetable oil, thermometer.
Procedure:
- Record the mass of the empty cylinder.
- Add 50 mL of distilled water and record the combined mass.
- Repeat for the other test liquids, ensuring temperature consistency.
- Calculate density using density = mass/volume.
- Compare results to reference data and discuss sources of error (meniscus reading, residue, temperature).
Learning Extension: Use this activity to explore precision vs. accuracy, significant figures, and experimental uncertainty — essential concepts in chemistry, biology, and environmental science labs.
Best Practices for General Use
- Always read the meniscus at eye level to ensure measurement accuracy.
- Rinse with the working solution before measuring to minimize dilution error.
- For exothermic reactions or corrosive media, confirm glass compatibility.
- Record temperature if comparing to volumetric standards (typically calibrated at 20 °C).
You can pour the contents of graduated cylinders into glass lab beakers for easy mixing of different solutions & store the contents of these mixtures in conical Erlenmeyer flasks.
Other Things to Note
You can pour the contents of graduated cylinders into glass lab beakers for easy mixing of different solutions & store the contents of these mixtures in conical Erlenmeyer flasks.
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