Activities


The Density of Oil



Background:

Geologists believe that oil formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over a period of millions of years. The oil is buried very deep below the earth's surface. Some oil has risen closer to the surface. One theory why this has happened is that water pushed the oil upward. Water is denser than oil. Therefore, oil will float on top of the water. As the water finds its way to the surface, the oil floating on top of the water, comes to. In this investigation, you will investigate the differences in density of various substances.

Hypothesis: How do you think the 4 liquid substances below will act when poured together in the tall container?

Materials Needed:
  • 1 500 mL graduated cylinder or a tall jar
    such as an olive jar
  • 100 mL of water
  • 100 mL of Karo syrup
  • 100 mL of cooking oil
  • 100 mL of salt water
  • 3 different colors of food coloring
  • map pencils or markers




Procedure:
  1. Measure each liquid in a separate container.
  2. Add several drops of green food coloring to the water.
  3. Add several drops of red food coloring to the Karo syrup.
  4. Add several drops of blue food coloring to the salt water.
  5. Do not add anything to the cooking oil.
  6. Carefully tilt the 500 mL graduated cylinder and add each liquid.
  7. Sit the graduated cylinder flat on the table and allow to remain still for several minutes.
  8. Observe what happens.
  9. Color and label your observations below.
  10. Answer the questions.




Observations:


Results:
  1. Was your hypothesis correct? Explain.

  2. What is the order of the liquids from top to bottom?

  3. Which liquid is the most dense?

  4. Which liquid is the least dense?

  5. In this experiment what did the cooking oil represent?



Submit your results to us. We would also like to hear how you liked the experiment and what you learned from doing it. Please add your name and age.

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