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A student is trying to experimentally determine the density of water. He obtains a value of 0.9 g/mL. The actual value is 1.0 g/mL.

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Final answer:

In chemistry, to experimentally determine the density of a substance, one can use the water displacement method to measure both mass and volume, then divide the mass by the volume to find the density. The standard value for the density of water is approximately 1.0 g/mL at room temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The density of water is a well-known physical property and forms the basis for various calculations in chemistry. The use of a hydrometer or the water displacement approach can yield the mass and volume of a substance, from which the density can be calculated. The standard density of water at around 25°C or room temperature is approximately 1.0 g/mL, which is essential to know when conducting experiments. When the student measures a density of 0.9 g/mL, this suggests an error in the experimentation process as it deviates from the actual value of 1.0 g/mL. This discrepancy could arise from measurement errors or calibration issues with the equipment used.

Procedure for Determining Density

Adjust the simulation setting to ensure the fluid in the beaker represents water with a density of 1.00 g/mL.

Select the green block with question marks to represent the unknown material in the simulation.

Measure the mass and volume of the unknown material using the water displacement method.

Calculate the density of the unknown material using the formula: Density = Mass / Volume.

This exercise improves understanding of how to experimentally determine the density of an unknown substance using a common approach in chemistry. Accuracy in measurement is crucial to obtain results that are close to the true value.

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