Physical properties of matter
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Archimedes' Principle
Place weights into a boat and see how far the boat sinks into a tank of liquid. The depth of the boat can be measured, as well as the … amount of liquid displaced. The dimensions of the boat and the density of the liquid can be adjusted. See how much weight the boat can hold before it sinks to the bottom!
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Boyle's Law and Charles' Law
Investigate the properties of an ideal gas by performing experiments in which the temperature is held constant (Boyle's Law), and others … in which the pressure remains fixed (Charles' Law). The pressure is controlled through the placement of masses on the lid of the container, and temperature is controlled with an adjustable heat source.
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Density Experiment: Slice and Dice
Drop a chunk of material in a beaker of water and observe whether it sinks or floats. Cut the chunk into smaller pieces of any size, … and observe what happens as they are dropped in the beaker. The mass and volume of each chunk can be measured to gain a clear understanding of density and buoyancy.
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Density Laboratory
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe flotation, the … relationship between mass, volume, density, and flotation can be investigated. The density of the liquid in the beaker can be adjusted, and a variety of objects can be studied during the investigation.
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Density via Comparison
Using four beakers of liquids with known densities, estimate the density of a variety of objects. Place each object into each beaker to … see whether it sinks or floats, and then use this information to compare the densities of the objects.
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Determining Density via Water Displacement
Drop objects in a beaker that is filled with water, and measure the water that flows over the edge. Using Archimedes' principle, determine … the density of objects based on the amount of displaced water.
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Freezing Point of Salt Water
Control the temperature of a beaker of water. As the temperature drops below the freezing point, a transformation of state will occur that … can be viewed on a molecular level. Salt can be added to the water to see its effect on the freezing point of water.
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Phase Changes
Explore the relationship between molecular motion, temperature, and phase changes. Compare the molecular structure of solids, liquids, … and gases. Graph temperature changes as ice is melted and water is boiled. Find the effect of altitude on phase changes. The starting temperature, ice volume, altitude, and rate of heating or cooling can be adjusted.
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Solubility and Temperature
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of water to create a solution, observe that the chemical dissolves in the water at first, … and then measure the concentration of the solution at the saturation point. Either potassium nitrate or sodium chloride can be added to the water, and the temperature of the water can be adjusted.
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Temperature and Particle Motion
Observe the movement of particles of an ideal gas at a variety of temperatures. A histogram showing the Maxwell-Boltzmann … velocity distribution is shown, and the most probable velocity, mean velocity, and root mean square velocity can be calculated. Molecules of different gases can be compared.
