- After you have read these instructions (1 through 10), you will go to the Virtual Density Testing Lab. There you will see the Density Evaluation Table. A non-working sketch (not the real thing) of the Table is shown on the right. The mineral numbers on this sketch are not the same as on the real table!
- HOW THE TABLE WORKS: The Table is designed to allow you to determine the densities of minerals. In the central section of the Table is a box in which instructions will appear as you perform the investigation.
- On the left of the Table is a list of minerals to be tested. The minerals are identified by numbers. On the real Table, when you click on one of the minerals (other than 'None'), two things will happen:
- A picture of the mineral will appear in the central section of the Table at the top.
- A picture of a graduated cylinder (cylinder 1) with the mineral specimen suspended above the water level will appear on the left.
- If one of the minerals you have been assigned appears on the list, click on the button next to it.
- On a piece of paper, record the number of the mineral and the level of the water in cylinder 1.
- Next, press the 'Immerse the Mineral' bar. A picture of the graduated cylinder with the mineral immersed in the water will appear on the right. On the piece of paper, record the new level of the water.
- The volume of the mineral is equal to the difference between the water levels in cylinders 1 and 2. Record the volume on the piece of paper.
- Press the 'Weigh the Mineral' bar. A picture of the scales of a triple beam balance will appear with the weights set to counterbalance the mineral. Determine the weight and compute the density of the mineral: Density = Weight/Volume.
- Record the number of the mineral and its density on your printout of Part B of the Mineral Properties Form.
- If another of your assigned minerals appears on the mineral list, repeat the above procedure.
NOW THAT YOU'VE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, CLICK ON THE GREY BAR BELOW AND....
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