Calculating Density of Unknown Liquid: Problem and Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the density of an unknown liquid using measurements of mass from a bottle when empty, full of water, and full of the unknown liquid. The context is centered around the concept of density and the relationship between mass and volume.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the mass of the water and subsequently the volume of the bottle to find the density of the unknown liquid. Some participants suggest using the known density of water to derive the volume, while others question the units used for density.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify calculations and unit conversions. Some participants provide guidance on ensuring consistent units and highlight potential errors in the calculations. Multiple interpretations of the results and units are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of unit conversions and the significance of the calculated volume in relation to the mass of water used. There is a mention of the need for clarity in unit representation, particularly between kg/m³ and kg/L.

DoubleHelix
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Hi, here's my problem:

The balance of a bottle when empty is 70.0g, when full of water is 90.0g and when full of another liquid is 94.0g. The density of water is 1000km/m(to the power of 3), what is the density of the toher liquid?

I know that density = mass / volume so i think that i should take 70.0 away from 90.0 to get the mass of the water alone, so I get 20.0g. From here I'm stuck. Thanks for any help!
 
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You know that from the formula of density=mass/ volume.
You have mass of water and density of water. You can calculate the volume of the bottle that way. I'm sure you can take it from there.
 
Ah yes, so I need to calculate the volume of the bottle.

I found the volume of the bottle to be 0.02 and thus got the density to be = 24.0 / 0.02 = 1200kg m^3. Could you please clarify that i have done this correctly?
 
should density be shown in kg/l or g/ml
 
That answer is accurate. Very good. However I have to point out an error you have made. You did not convert your mass into kg, hence your volume is actually wrong since your density is in kg/m^3 while your mass cancels out. Make sure all your units are continous.

Addtionally, try to have a bearing of the quantities you calculate. 0.02 m^3 is very large, 20 litres, compared to the meagre 90 g of water.

Finally, density in kg/l is valid, however I strongly recommend you use kg/m^3 since that will make both of them SI units. For future questions, converting the units into SI can help you avoid many mistakes.:cool:
 

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