Density as an Extensive Physical Property

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to investigate whether density is an extensive or intensive physical property.

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Through the utilization of water displacement, the volumes of various paper clip samples were measured, and their masses were determined using an electronic balance. Each sample's unique mass and volume values allowed for the calculation of density, providing insights into the nature of this physical property. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between the masses of different paper clip samples and their volumes, leading to the conclusion that density is indeed an extensive property.

Introduction

Within the realm of science, substances are classified based on two essential physical properties: extensive and intensive. Extensive properties vary directly with mass, depending on the sample's mass, while intensive properties remain independent of the amount of mass. One crucial physical property explored in this experiment is density.

Density, a measure of mass per unit volume, serves as a vital aspect of material identification. The central question addressed in this experiment is whether density qualifies as an extensive or intensive physical property. To investigate this, the densities of paper clip samples were calculated using their masses and volumes obtained through a water displacement technique. The experiment aimed to discern whether the sizes of the samples influenced the calculated densities, thus determining the nature of density as a physical property.

Hypothesis

If density is an extensive property, then the masses of varying numbers of paper clips will impact the calculated densities because density is contingent on the mass of the paper clip samples.

Materials and Methods

The experiment utilized an electronic balance, graduated cylinder, paper clips, and weighing paper. The mass of five paper clips was measured using the electronic balance and recorded. Subsequently, 30.0 mL of water was added to a graduated cylinder and noted as the initial water volume. The paper clips were then introduced into the graduated cylinder, and the final water volume was recorded. The volume of each sample was calculated by subtracting the initial water volume from the final water volume. Density was determined using the formula d = mass/volume. This process was repeated for each paper clip sample.

The mass of five paper clips was 4.9 grams, nine paper clips weighed 8.9 grams, and thirteen paper clips had a mass of 12 grams. Although each sample initially shared the same water volume (30 milliliters), the water displacement technique revealed differing volumes: 1.0 milliliters for five paper clips, 1.5 milliliters for nine paper clips, and 2.0 milliliters for thirteen paper clips. The calculated densities were 4.9 g/mL, 5.9 g/mL, and 6.0 g/mL for five, nine, and thirteen paper clips, respectively.

Discussion

Density emerges as a crucial physical property for substance identification in laboratory settings. The formula for density, involving mass and volume, allows for unique identification based on these parameters. The experiment's results demonstrated that each paper clip sample, despite starting with the same water volume, exhibited distinct volumes when measured using the water displacement technique. Consequently, each sample possessed a unique density, reinforcing the utility of density in substance identification.

Water displacement, a technique employed to measure substance volume, involves observing the water displaced when a substance is introduced into a graduated cylinder. This method, utilized during the experiment, facilitated the measurement of paper clip sample volumes.

It is crucial to note that the density of pure water at room temperature is 0.9907047 g/cm³. The experimental measurement of pure water density was determined to be 0.99 g/mL, aligning with the expected value.

Conclusion

The experimental results unequivocally support the conclusion that density is an extensive physical property. The varied masses of the samples influenced the calculated densities, emphasizing the dependence of density on the mass of the paper clip samples. Despite the consistency in initial water volume, the diverse masses of the samples led to different volumes, establishing density as an extensive property.

However, it is essential to acknowledge potential sources of error in the experiment. The durability of the paper clips and the erosion of their material during water displacement may have affected the results. To enhance the experiment, future iterations could utilize a different sample, such as pennies, composed of a denser material like copper, mitigating the issue of mass loss during water displacement.