AlgebraLab

Determining Density Through Graphing

By E Saylor

Data:
 
Volume
(mL) 
Mass
(g)
0.44
5.0
1.33
15.0
2.12
24.0
4.60
52.0
5.66
64.0
7.17
81.0
8.41
95.0
8.94
101.0
12.60
142.0
13.50
153.0
             
Procedure:
 
  1. Create a plot of mass versus volume.
 
The independent variable, volume, always goes on the x-axis. The independent variable is the variable over which the experimenter has control. Input the data for this variable into List 1 on your calculator (L1).
 
The dependent variable, mass, is placed on the y-axis. Input the data for this variable into List 2 (L2).
 
For you information: To edit the lists in your calculator, go to STAT and then EDIT. Clear the lists and enter your own data.
 
Be certain to label the axis with both the variable and its UNITS.
 
Make certain to give your graph a title.
 
  1. Draw a trend line, or line of best fit, through your data points. 
 
Do not connect the dots! The line you draw reflects the best average data fit. To do this in your calculator, go to [STAT], [CALC], [LinReg L1, L2]. Next, go to [y=], [VARS], [STATISTICS], [EQ], [RegEQ], [ENTER]. Hit [Zoom][9] to fit the line to your screen.
 
  1. Calculate the slope of the line by locating two points on the line.
 
 
  1. Report the density on your graph.
 
Conclusions:
 
  1. Use the information in the following chart to determine which substance was involved in this experiment?
Substance
Density (g/mL)
Copper
8.92
Lead
11.3
Gold
19.3
 
  1. Using your graph, determine the mass of 10.0 mL of material. You can do this by using the [TRACE] function on the calculator.

  2. What is the volume of 30.0 grams of material?