Chemistry 1211L Experiment #1 Methods for Determination of Density Jenny Yu 6/2/2010

1. Which is more precise, the density derived from the calculated volume or the density derived from the measured volume? (#70) Explain your answer in detail.
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I would have to suggest that the density derived from the calculated volume is more precise because the error had lower digit of uncertainty in density than the one derived from the measured one. In addition, the human eye is not able to measure the water in the graduated cylinder as precisely as an electric device would. However, the density from the calculated volume utilized the Vernier scale that has precise measurements and a formula that has been proven.

2. How would you determine the density of gas?

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The density of gas would be calculated by taking the mass and dividing it by the volume of the gas. I would have to figure that finding the density of a gas is not quite simple as it is for solids and liquids. With solids and liquids, the density can be assumed because the molecules are linked together or steady, however, molecules in gas are free to move which would have to mean that the density can vary over a wide range.

3. Liquid A is red and has a larger density than liquid B that is blue in color. Liquid

A and liquid B do not dissolve in each other (they are immiscible). Describe what you expect to see when the liquids are combined in a test tube.
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Since Liquid A has a larger density than Liquid B and they are immiscible, I would expect to see something similar to what happens to oil and water. Liquid A would be oil and Liquid B would be water. When they combine, you would see a separation of red liquid (bottom) and blue liquid (oil).

4. An unopened can of Coke or Pepsi will sink when put in water. An unopened can of Diet-Coke or Diet-Pepsi will float. Try the experiment to verify the assertion. Explain the phenomenon.

I would have to assume that the Diet Coke floated because it has a smaller density than regular Coke. (Is it because regular Coke is more concentrated and Diet-Coke is more diluted?) I cannot seem to come to a confident conclusion but I would hypothesize that Diet beverages are generally less sweeter than the regular beverages and therefore is less concentrated with

ingredients than the regular brands. And also when I taste the two beverages, the Diet Coke gives more of a foamy texture in my mouth than the regular one does.

5. Measurement uncertainties are given in this experiment. Are they reasonable? Explain.

Measurement uncertainties were reasonable because it allows us to see the amount of errors that we are facing after a measurement is done. From the experiment, we were able to find the volume of a specimen through measurements and calculations. While I was writing the Pre-Lab prior to Experiment #1, I figured that the calculations would be more precise than measurements. It provides us useful information of accuracy.