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Unknown Liquids
Task with Student Directions
Contributed by: New York State Alternative Assessment in Science Project (NYSED)
1996 Administration

Task: At this station, you will be determining which of two solutions is liquid X and which is liquid Z.

Materials

  • bottle containing a blue liquid
  • bottle containing a yellow liquid
  • triple beam or double pan balance
  • calculator
  • eye goggles

Directions

The labels on the two bottles have fallen off. The labels had read "Liquid X" and "Liquid Z." Your job is to determine which bottle contains liquid X and which contains liquid Z. The real challenge is that you must do this without opening the bottles. All of the information you need to reach your conclusion is listed in the box below:

  • The bottles and lids are identical in mass, volume, and shape when empty.

  • Both bottle contain the same volume of solution.

  • The density of liquid Z is greater than the density of liquid X.

  1. In the space below, list the steps you will follow to determine which bottle contains liquid X and which contains liquid Z.

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  2. Put on eye goggles. Be careful not to drop either bottle. CARRY OUT YOUR PLAN.

  3. Record the results of your experiment in the space below.
    *Show all work.*

     

     

     

     

  4. Using the data collected in your experiment, which liquid is liquid X and which is liquid Z?

    Blue Liquid  _______________  Yellow Liquid  ________________

  5. Based on the results of your experiment, write a statement explaining the relationship between mass, volume, and density. Writing the formula is not sufficient.

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NYS Alternative Assessment in Science Project
Copyright, April 1996
The State University of New York
The State Education Department
Albany, New York 12234

 


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