Fluid-Density

Name: Date: Period:

Science Simulations, Technology Simulations, Engineering Simulations, Mathematics Simulations

Lesson 1: Does Size Matter?

Density is a measure of the compactness of a substance. Volume and mass are both related to density. Can you estimate the density of an object by looking at only its volume?

Doing the science

Start the Fluid Density Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
Click on one of the large objects on the bottom shelf. Then click the "Release" button on the device in the tank.
Repeat step 2 for the other four large objects that remain on the bottom shelf.
Note and record in Table 1 the number of large objects that sunk and the number that floated.
Repeat step 2 for all of the five small objects that are located on the top shelf.
Note and record in Table 2 the number of small objects that sunk and the number that floated.

Table 1. Large Sinking and Floating Objects

Number of large sinking objects
Number of large floating objects

Table 2. Small Sinking and Floating Objects

Number of small sinking objects
Number of small floating objects

Do You Understand?

Propose a relationship that exists between the size of the object and density. Please discuss how you arrived at this relationship.

What additional testing could you conduct to better test the relationship you described in question #1?