Density of a gummy bear

EXPERIMENT 2: DENSITY OF A GUMMY BEAR

In this experiment, you will learn how to measure the length, mass, and volume of a gummy bear.

PROCEDURE

1. Formulate a hypothesis as to what would happen to the gummy bear’s density when placed in distilled water. If______________________, then_________________.

2. Use the ruler to measure the length of the gummy bear from the bottom of its feet to the top of its head to the nearest millimeter. Record your data in Table 5 on the Experiment 2 Data Sheet.

3. Measure the width of the gummy bear at the widest point across the back to the nearest millimeter. Record your data in Table 5 on the Data Sheet.

4. Measure the thickness of the gummy bear from front to back to the nearest millimeter. Record your data in Table 5on the Data Sheet.

5. Multiply the three measurements together to determine the volume. Record your data in Table 5 on the Data Sheet.

6. Cut a piece of paper towel to the size that will fit on your scale.

7. Zero the scale with the paper towel on it. Record the mass of the paper towel in Table 4A on the Data Sheet.

8. Place the gummy bear on the paper towel. Record the mass to the nearest tenth of a gram in Table 4A on the Data Sheet.

9. Calculate the gummy bear’s density by dividing the mass by the volume. Record your data in Table 5 on the Data Sheet.

Experiment Inventory

Materials 2 Gummy Bears (1 required, 1 extra)

Graph Paper

*Distilled Water

*Paper Towels

Labware 100 mL Beaker

Ruler

Digital Scale

*Calculator

*Scissors

Experiment 2Density of a Gummy Bear

Note: You must provide the materials listed in *red.

After recording the density in Table 5 and the Time 1 Mass Data in Table 4A, begin the Time 1 Experimental Procedure (next page).

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Time 2 Experimental Procedure

1. After approximately 8 hours have elapsed, cut a piece of paper towel to the size that will fit on your digital scale.

2. Record the mass of the piece of paper towel. Write the mass in Table 4B on the Data Sheet.

3. Carefully retrieve the gummy bear from the beaker by slowly pouring out the water down the sink, but be careful not to lose your gummy bear.

Hint: Place your finger over the opening of the beaker to keep the gummy bear in, and slowly pour the water out.

4. Place the gummy bear onto the cut piece of paper towel.

5. Record the Stop Time of the Gummy Bear Soak in Table 5 on the Data Sheet.

6. Allow the paper towel to soak up the extra water from your gummy bear for 1 minute.

7. Keep your gummy bear on the paper towel when measuring and weighing. Your gummy bear will fall apart if it is moved too much. If your gummy bear loses an arm, leg, head, etc., do your best to put it back together, and continue to take your measurements. However, if your gummy bear is destroyed beyond all repair, you should repeat this experiment with the extra gummy bear provided in your kit.

8. With your gummy bear on the paper towel, measure the length, width, and thickness just like you did at Time 1 before you soaked it. Remember to record your data in the Time 2 section of Table 5 on the Data Sheet.

9. Determine the amount of change in volume, mass, and density, and record your results in Table 5 on the Data Sheet.

10. Take a photo of your experiment set up. Remember to include your name and lab access code handwritten in the background of the photo. When you are finished, clean up your work area. Do not eat the gummy bear!

Percent Change in Density Calculate the percent change in density between Time 1 and Time 2:

Data Analysis Using a sheet of graph paper provided in your kit, create a bar graph using the data in Table 5 to compare the density obtained for each time studied. You can also use a graphing program to create this graph.

Hint: In order to scale the graph, take the range of the numbers (the highest number and the lowest number), subtract them, and divide by the number of lines on your graph. This will tell you how to divide up your graph evenly so that it’s not all squished onto one area of the graph.

Hint: The dependent variable is placed on the y-axis, and the independent variable is placed on the x-axis. When you create your graph, remember to label the x- and y-axes and to give your graph a title.

Time 1 Experimental Procedure

1. Fill your 100 mL beaker with 50 mL of distilled water, then carefully place your gummy bear in the water.

2. Place your beaker in a safe location, and allow the gummy bear to soak for approximately 8 hours. Record the Start Time in Table 5 on the Data Sheet.