Volumetric Analysis Lab Report

Discussion

Comparing the values from Table 1 and Table 2, it is evident that the pennies that were issued before 1982 have more mass than the pennies issued after 1982. This is because the values from Table 1 are all around 3 grams while the average masses of the post-1982 pennies are all around 2.5 grams. This is also evident on the comparison of Figures 1 and 2. It is also evident in Table 3 and Table 4 that in general, the average volume of pennies issued before 1982 were slightly higher than the average volume of post-1982 pennies. This is because the average volume of pre-1982 pennies ranges from 0.445cm^3 to 0.484cm^3. On the other hand, the average volume of post-1982 pennies ranges from 0.427cm^3 to 0.478cm^3. Aside from average volume, the comparison of Table 3 and Table 4 also shows the difference in density between the two groups of pennies. Based on the values, it is evident that pre-1982 pennies are denser than the post-1982 pennies. This is due to the fact that the

densities of pennies issued before 1982 ranges from 6.43 g/cm^3 to 6.92 g/cm^3 while post-1982 pennies have densities ranging from 5.23 g/cm^3 to 5.93 g/cm^3. All of these observations are visually displayed in Figures 3 and 4.
Although some data collected in this experiment were precise, they may not be as accurate as expected.

It is evident that the mass measurement were not the same for the three trials performed. Even though, the penny being weighed is the same for all three trials, the mass recorded were not the same for all. This inaccurate calibration of the scale may have affected the results for the measurement of mass. Aside from the scale, the caliper could have caused inaccuracies in the data collected. From the three trials of the recorded diameter and height, it was evident that the measurements of the caliper showed variations also. Because of this, the caliper is also a source of the inaccuracies of the data. Also, the conditions of the pennies that were used in the experiment were not exactly the same with each other. For example, some pennies are have a lot of dirt on it. The dirt in the penny could increase the mass and volume of the penny so it caused inaccuracies in the data as

well.
In order to improve this experiment, it is important that the pennies used in the experiment have different years. This would avoid confusions in data recording, and also, it will create more variations in the samples being measured. Another improvement could be done by ensuring that the conditions of the pennies used in the experiment are similar to each penny that is being utilized. This would eliminate the external factors, such as dust and dirt. Lastly, it could be beneficial if the years that the pennies were issued are in consecutive form. Some of the pennies in this experiment were significantly older than other pennies, so the results could show more precision if the pennies are consecutive to each other.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the group of pennies that is denser than the other is the pre-1982 penny group. These pennies have higher average masses and lower average volumes. Because of this, the value of density calculated from the pre-1982 group of pennies is evidently higher than the post-1982 pennies. On the other hand, the post-1982 pennies generally showed lower average masses and higher average volumes. As a result, the densities collected from the pennies issued after 1982 are generally lower than the pre-1982 pennies group.