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Measuring density
Density is a derived quantity - we measure two other quantities (mass and volume) and then calculate density. A first time learner, however, deserves first to understand the concept - and that takes careful teaching and a little time. Moreover, different techniques are required for solids, liquids and gases.
Many students imagine that a gas such as air has no mass. Carefully 'weighing' air can help students later to answer some startling questions: What's the mass of air in a classroom? The height of the atmosphere? The average speed of air molecules?
Experiments
Measuring and weighing solid blocks [2]
Measuring the density of regular solid shapes [3]
Weighing liquids [4]
Understanding measuring cylinders [5]
Measuring the density of liquids [6]
Measuring the average density of a student [7]
Weighing a sample of air – a rough estimate [8]
Weighing air [10]
Related Guidance
Introducing the concept of density [11]
Rough and ready measurements [12]
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[13]