Density

We measured the density of a bolt and a lego.

First, we figured out the mass of each using a triple beam balance. The bolt's mass was 96.85 grams; the lego's mass was 2.1 grams.

Next, we found the volume of each by submerging in a graduated cylinder of water. The bolt displaced 15ml of water; the lego displaced 3ml of water.

To get density, divide mass by volume, or D=m/v.

The bolt's density is 96.85/15 = 6.456 g/cc.
The lego's density is 2.1/3 = 0.7 g/cc.

The bolt is a lot more dense than the lego. This makes sense because the bolt is solid metal, but the lego is hollow plastic.

We tried to measure a packing peanut, but discovered it was biodegradable when it disintegrated in the water! It also floated. If we were quicker, we could attach a heavy washer to it to get the peanut under water, but then we'd also have to measure the mass and density of the washer too.