To solve this problem, students must first calculate
the density of aluminum. This is achieved by using water,
aluminum shot/or wire, and a graduated cylinder.
Students take a portion of aluminum shot. Students
need to measure the mass of the shot to calculate density.
Next, students need to fill their graduated cylinder
with a known amount of water. Students then place the
entire mass of the shot into the graduated cylinder and
determine the water displacement. The density of the
aluminum shot is calculated by dividing the mass of
the shot (grams) by the amount of water it displaced
(milliliters). This calculation should be close to 2.698
g/ml. Aluminum shot can be purchased through a science
supplies company. Alternatively, aluminum wire
can be purchased at a hardware store.