Density of Non-Geometric Objects - Online Tutor, Practice Problems & Exam Prep

To calculate the density of non-geometric objects, water displacement is utilized, which measures the volume of water displaced when an object is submerged. For example, if the initial water volume is 3.5 mL and it rises to 5.8 mL after submerging the object, the volume of the object is calculated as 5.8 mL - 3.5 mL = 2.3 mL. This method is essential for determining the volume of irregularly shaped items, linking concepts of volume and density in practical applications.

Density of Non-Geometric Objects Concept and Example

Hey everyone. So when it comes to calculating the density of non-geometric objects, we have to utilize what's called water displacement. Now, water displacement is just the amount of water moved out of the way when an object is totally submerged. Here, we're going to say water displacement can be used to determine the volume of non-geometric objects. We're going to look at this example; it says, "calculate the volume of the water displaced by the submerging of the object." Here, the volume of the given cylinders is in milliliters. Right.

So, if we take a look here, there's nothing inside this first tube, and we're going to approximate what the volume is. It kind of looks like it touches around this line. So, we're going to say this is approximately 3.5 milliliters. Now, we've taken our non-geometric object and placed it within the water. This causes a rise in the water level. If we take a look here, we say that our new volume, it's a little bit harder to see. We're going to say that it's not quite 6 ml. We're going to say here that it's approximately 5.8 milliliters.

So, the volume of the object would just be our final volume of 5.8 milliliters minus our initial volume of 3.5 milliliters. So that would give me a volume of the non-geometric object of 2.3 milliliters. So, 2.3 milliliters would be my final answer for this example question.

A piece of unknown solid weighs approximately 0.045 lbs. When a scientist places it in a glass beaker the water level increases from 200 mL to 260 mL. What is the density of the unknown solid in g/mL?

• A. 0.5 g/mL
• B. 0..2 g/mL
• C. 0.0007 g/mL
• D. 2.9 g/mL
• E. 0.3 g/mL

If an irregularly shaped apple possesses a density of 0.96 g/cm³, what is its mass in milligrams? (The volume of the given cylinders are in mL).

• A. 4000 mg
• B. 5000 mg
• C. 0.0048 mg
• D. 4800 mg
• E. 5300 mg

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

How do you calculate the density of a non-geometric object using water displacement?

To calculate the density of a non-geometric object using water displacement, follow these steps: First, measure the initial volume of water in a graduated cylinder. Next, submerge the object completely in the water and measure the new volume. The volume of the object is the difference between the final and initial water volumes. For example, if the initial volume is 3.5 mL and the final volume is 5.8 mL, the volume of the object is 5.8 mL - 3.5 mL = 2.3 mL. Finally, measure the mass of the object using a balance. Density is calculated using the formula:

$\rho =\frac{m}{V}$

where $m$ is the mass and $V$ is the volume.

What is water displacement and how is it used to find the volume of irregular objects?

Water displacement is a method used to determine the volume of an irregularly shaped object. When an object is submerged in water, it displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume. To use this method, fill a graduated cylinder with a known volume of water and record this initial volume. Submerge the irregular object completely in the water and record the new volume. The volume of the object is the difference between the final and initial water volumes. For example, if the initial volume is 3.5 mL and the final volume is 5.8 mL, the volume of the object is 5.8 mL - 3.5 mL = 2.3 mL.

Why is water displacement important for measuring the volume of non-geometric objects?

Water displacement is important for measuring the volume of non-geometric objects because these objects do not have regular shapes that allow for easy volume calculation using standard geometric formulas. By submerging the object in water, the volume of water displaced is equal to the volume of the object. This method provides an accurate and practical way to measure the volume of irregularly shaped items, which is essential for calculating their density and understanding their physical properties.

Can you explain the steps to measure the volume of an irregular object using water displacement?

To measure the volume of an irregular object using water displacement, follow these steps:

1. Fill a graduated cylinder with a known volume of water and record this initial volume.
2. Carefully submerge the irregular object completely in the water without spilling any water.
3. Record the new volume of water in the graduated cylinder.
4. Calculate the volume of the object by subtracting the initial volume from the final volume. For example, if the initial volume is 3.5 mL and the final volume is 5.8 mL, the volume of the object is 5.8 mL - 3.5 mL = 2.3 mL.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using water displacement to measure volume?

When using water displacement to measure volume, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not recording the initial water volume accurately. Ensure the water level is read at eye level to avoid parallax error.
2. Spilling water when submerging the object, which can lead to inaccurate volume measurements.
3. Not fully submerging the object, which results in an incorrect volume reading.
4. Using a container that is too small, causing overflow when the object is submerged.
5. Not accounting for air bubbles that may cling to the object, which can affect the volume measurement.