Density-Driven Sugar Analysis: A Lab Investigation into Solution Composition

Categories: Chemistry

Analysis, Pages 3 (680 words)

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In this laboratory experiment, we aim to investigate whether the density of a liquid can be utilized to determine the amount of a substance dissolved in it. Density, defined as the mass per unit volume, can be obtained by dividing the mass by the volume. Higher density indicates a heavier object of the same size compared to an object with lower density. By determining the density of a liquid, we can infer the quantity of a dissolved substance.

Pre-Lab Questions:

Considering the mass and volume data for the solution (Mass = 12.

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53 g, Volume = 8.27 mL), the calculated density allows for three significant figures.
The density of the solution described in Question #1 is calculated to be 1.5151 g/mL.
Orange soda, with 49 g of sugar per 355 mL and a density of 1.043 g/mL, requires a two-step process. Firstly, use the density to convert the serving size to grams (355 mL to grams). Then, calculate the percentage sugar concentration in the beverage.

Materials:

Small balance
Beaker
Five sugar solutions
Graduated cylinder
Four beverages, including an unknown
Safety equipment: goggles, precautions for glass breakage and spills.

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In summary, this lab explores the correlation between density and dissolved substances, employing various materials and safety measures to ensure a successful experiment.

Data Table A: Density of Reference Solutions

Solution	Mass, g	Sample Volume, mL	Density, g/mL
0% Sugar	9.55	10.00	.955 g/mL
5% Sugar	9.94	10.00	.984 g/mL
10% Sugar	9.87	10.00	.987 g/mL
15% Sugar	10.28	10.00	1.028 g/mL
20% Sugar	10.61	10.00	1.061 g/mL

Data Table B: Beverage Densities

Beverage	Mass, g	Sample Volume, mL	Density, g/mL
Apple Juice	10.15	10.00	1.015
Diet Pepsi	9.61	10.00	.961
Lemonade	10.21	10.00	1.021
Pepsi	9.78	10.00	.978
Powerade	9.88	10.00	.988
Unknown _____	10.12	10.00	1.012

Results Table:

Beverage	Experimental % sugar
Apple Juice	10%
Diet Pepsi	2%
Lemonade	14%
Pepsi	5%
Powerade	5%

Post-Lab: Results Table

Beverage	Measured density, g/mL	Percent sugar (experimental)	Amount of sugar (Nutrition label)	Percent sugar (calculated from Nutrition label)	Percent error
Apple Juice	1.015	10%	37g	11%	6%
Diet Pepsi	.961	2%	0g	0%	0%
Lemonade	1.021	14%	32g	13%	13%
Pepsi	.978	5%	41g	12%	5%
Powerade	.988	5%	21g	6%	5%

Post-Lab Calculations and Analysis

Generate a graph plotting density against concentration for the five reference solutions. Concentration is on the x-axis (independent variable), and density is on the y-axis (dependent variable). Employ a ruler to draw the best-fit straight line through the data points.
Utilize the graph to estimate the unknown sugar concentrations in the first beverage. Locate the y-axis point corresponding to the beverage's density and follow it horizontally to meet the best-fit line. Read down vertically from this point on the line to find the x-axis intersection, indicating the percent concentration of sugar. Record this information in a Results Table.
Repeat step 2 for the second beverage and record the data in the Results Table.
Calculate the actual sugar concentration in weight percent for each beverage using the nutrition label and measured density. Record both the nutrition label information and the actual percent sugar concentration in the Results Table.
Use the provided equation to calculate the percent error in our experimental determination of sugar content for each beverage. Record the percent error in the Results Table.
Report the measured density for pure water (0% sugar solution) and comment on any deviation from the expected density of 1.0 g/mL, considering water's usual density at 4oC.

My measured density was lower, likely due to the lower temperature causing water to be denser.

Discuss the assumption made regarding the effect of other ingredients on the beverage's density. Is this assumption valid? Explain.

The assumption that other ingredients don't affect density is not valid, as it can lead to inaccurate measurements.

Address why connecting the dots is inappropriate when plotting data like in this experiment. Consider the repeatability of results and discuss potential sources of error and their impact.

Connecting the dots is not suitable as it doesn't show changes over time. Results may not be exactly the same if the experiment is repeated due to settling of solutions over time, leading to decreased density.

Upon completing the lab, I confirmed my hypothesis that the density of a solution can be used to determine the dissolved substance. However, our percentage measurements were slightly off, likely due to the reference solution having settled. Despite this, by following the instructions, I successfully determined the substance's amount dissolved in a solution using its density.