Density and Buoyancy of Liquids

Objective

Investigate the density and buoyancy of different liquid solutions.

Materials

• Graduated cylinder
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring (optional)
• Hydrometer or mass balance
• Notebook for observations

Instructions

1. Measure a specific volume of water in the graduated cylinder and record its mass or density using a hydrometer.
2. Add sugar incrementally to the water, stirring after each addition until it completely dissolves.
3. Record the change in mass or density after each addition.
4. Repeat the procedure with a salt solution.
5. Measure the density of vegetable oil and compare it to water by carefully layering them in the graduated cylinder. Optional: Add food coloring for visual effect.
6. Observe and record the buoyancy of each liquid solution.
7. Analyze the results to understand the principles of density and buoyancy in liquids.