Density of regular solids - Essay Example

An analysis of the lab results shows that it fulfilled its purpose; it presents the densities of the materials obtained using different procedures. The objectives of this lab were, therefore, met, since, everything happened as expected. The main source of error in the experiment is the taking of measurements. The error due to direct measurement is less than that due to the displacement method; the values are 2.619 and 18.2 percent respectively. The difference between the two is so big that it brings doubt into the suitability of the displacement method in calculating density.

There is a difference between the results obtained in this experiment and the expected results. For instance, the lab results denote a density of 1.0408 g/cm3 for water, while the expected density under the conditions under which the lab was conducted is 0.991724 g/cm3. The difference might have come about due to temperature and pressure changes in the lab. It might also have been caused by human error, especially during calibration and measurement. The lab exercise was successful; the density of the various compounds was established.

I learnt the importance of taking precise and accurate measurements while doing experiments. The results of the experiment are entirely dependent on the procedure and accuracy of the measurements taken. I am, however, curious to find out how room temperature affects the density of a material. I hope to establish the facts about this issue in subsequent classes and, perhaps, lab