Skip Navigation
Search

I1-22. Water Density Vs Temperature

Purpose

To demonstrate the change in the desnity of water with temperature.

Equipment

Calibrate sphere in beaker of warm water, digital thermometer, and fan.

Suggestions

BE CAREFUL with sphere - it is carefully calibrated.

Setup Time

5 minutes.

Images

I1-22

Description

A calibrated thin spherical metal shell with air and shot inside sinks in water at 115 degrees F. The water is then cooled by a fan, whereupon the sphere rises to the top of the water when a temperature of about 110 degrees F is reached.The water can be stirred continually to keep the temperature uniform using the digital thermometer probe, which simultaneously reads the temperature, which is displayed on a large scale. If the sphere starts out floating and is sunk by heating the water, the demonstration requires more time due to surface tension.