Source of error:

1. There maybe an external force that exerted on the newton balance string
when it is submerged the metal block.
2. Parallax error may occur when taking the reading of metal block weight.
3. Random error may occur when taking the mass of the given block.
Way to overcome:
1. Be careful when submerged metal block into the liquid and make sure that
there is no such big external forced exerted on it.
2. Eyes must be perpendicular to the scale when reading the result of weight of
the block.
3. Make sure that there is no random error such as the force exerted by hand on
the table that can effect the reading of the electronic balance.
POST LAB QUESTIONS:
1. Comparing the experimental results of the density of the metal block , to the
densities of some metals given in Table 1 , can you determine the material
of the metal block ?

METALS P (kg/m3 )
Air 1.29
Paraffin 792
Alumminium 2.70 ×103
Copper 8.92 ×103
Fresh Water 1.00 ×103
Iron 7.86 ×103
Lead 11.3 ×103

 For the experimental value obtained () , we conculude that the block

given is copper
2. How will the string that tie the block to the Newton’s balance effect the
experimental results using Archimedes’ principle ?

 The mass of string that tie the Newton’s balance is only nearly
negligible and may increase the weight of the fluid displaces by the
metal block.

3. What is the advantage of using the Archimedes’ principle to determine the

𝑚
density of substance over the direct method of using P = ?
𝑣

 The advantage of using Archimedes’ principle to determine the

𝑚
substance over the direct method using P = is that if the shape is
𝑣
irregular , it is easy to find the volume by measuring the amount of
liquid displaced . The amount of liquid displaced can be used to
determine the density of the object .

4. Explain how a submarine is caused to submerged and surface without the

use of its propulsion propeller and fins ?

 To control its buoyancy , the submarine has ballast tanks and

auxiliary or trim tanks , that can be alternately filled with water or air.
When the submarine is on the surface , the ballast tanks are filled
with air and the submarine’s overall density is less than that of the
surrounding water. As the submarine dives, the ballast tank are
flooded with water and the air in the ballast tanks is vented from the
submarine until its overall density is greater than its surrounding
water and the submarine begins to sink. A supply of compressed air is
maintained abroad the submarine in air flask for life support and for
use with ballast tanks.