Volume - Taking Up Space                            Name _____________
state standard 8b
 
Matter is anything that has mass and volume.  Volume is the amount of space an object takes up.  But, did you know that within the object itself there are empty spaces? Although liquids and solids appear to be smooth and continuous, there are spaces between the individual particles making up the matter.  You can demonstrate this face by gathering the following materials and doing the steps listed.  You will be making a model that shows how particles of matter are arranged.  You may be surprised by the results.
    To do this activity, you will need four graduated cylinders, isopropyl alcohol, water, marbles and some sand.

1.  Measure exactly 25.0ml of water in on cylinder and 25.0ml of alcohol in another. CAUTION: keep isopropyl alcohol away from flames.

2. Predict the total volume if the contents of the two cylinders are combined.  Now combine the contents into one cylinder and read the resulting volume.  Is it what you are expected?  Can you explain what has happened?

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3.  Fill another graduated cylinder to the 50.0ml mark with pebbles.  Fill the remaining cylinder with 50.0ml of sand.

4.  Combine the contents of these two cylinders and note the final volume.
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5.  Explain your results.  How do these results provide a model for the way particles are arranged in matter?
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