Download 5 layer density model

Name ______________________________________
Period __________
How does density affect the Earth?
(5 Layer Density Model)
Background: Density is a concept that you will hear and that we will cover frequently in Earth
science. Many of the movements of substances on Earth are due to their density. In this
investigation you will be testing the densities of 5 different liquids to determine which is the most and
which is the least dense. You will then use your findings to construct a density column that models
the layers of the Earth’s interior.
Objective: To determine the relative densities of 5 unknown liquids and use them to construct a
model of the Earth’s layers.
Materials:
Liquids A, B, C, D and E
1-100mL graduated cylinder
1 or 2 small beakers or graduated cylinders
Food coloring
Waste liquid container
Stir sticks
Procedure:
1. Your first task is to test test the liquids with each other to see what their relative densities are.
YOU WILL BE USING SMALL AMOUNTS OF EACH LIQUID AND PLACING THEM IN THE
TEST CONTAINER.
2. Using your test container, carefully mix the required combinations to complete your data table
(A with B, A with C, etc.).
a. Write in your data table whether they mix or whether they form two layers-if they mix
write “MIX”; if layers are formed, record the letter of the liquid which is on top in the
upper part of the data box and the letter of the layer which is on bottom in the lower part
A
B
of the data box. Like this
.
3. Once you have tested all liquid combinations, give each liquid in your data table scores using
these rules:
a. Each time a liquid was on the BOTTOM of the two liquids = -1
b. Each time a liquid was on the TOP of the two liquids = +1
c. Each time two liquids mix, both get a score of 0
4. Add up the scores for each liquid in the scoring table provided. LOWEST score = MOST
dense.
5. Now that you know their relative densities, you are going to construct a density column with
your liquids. You will be putting the layered liquids carefully into the 100mL graduated
cylinder. The thickness of each layer should correspond to the following layers of the Earth, as
shown on p.10 of the Earth Science Reference Tables (also shown below): Inner Core, Outer
Core, Stiffer Mantle, Asthenosphere, Lithosphere.
6. Show your column to Mrs. Kent for approval and have her sign here: _______________
7. Calculate the density of your BOTTOM liquid. Density = Mass/Volume, so you need to first
take the mass of your liquid by: 1) putting a graduated cylinder on the electronic balance
2) pressing “re-zero” 3) pouring/pipetting an amount of your choice of the liquid into the
graduated cylinder. Record your data below. To find the volume of your liquid, read the
graduated cylinder! Record your data below and calculate the density with the equation given.
Mass:
Density = Mass
Volume
Volume:
8. Using the same procedure as step 11, find the density of your TOP liquid and put your data
and calculations below.
Mass:
Volume:
9. Answer the questions on the next page!
Density =
Mass
Volume
Questions:
1. Looking at your calculations for the density of the top and bottom liquid, do your numbers
make sense/are they what you would expect? Why? (In other words, why was your bottom
liquid on the bottom and your top liquid on the top?)
2. a. Are Earth’s interior layers separated by density? (You can check ESRT p.10 if you aren’t
sure.)
b. Where is the most dense material found in the Earth?
c. What do you think causes the layers of the Earth to be separated by density? (Think about
what makes things stay on Earth.)
3. Thinking about what you now know about the density of materials, imagine a piece of Earth’s
continental crust colliding with a piece of Earth’s ocean crust (two tectonic plates). Which type
of crust would “sink” or be forced down? Why? (Hint: Page 10 of the ESRT lists densities of
crust.)
4. If you could put people on your model of Earth’s layers (5 layer density column), where should
they be (on top of, beneath or in between what layers)?
5. According to the ESRT, what two layers make up the lithosphere?
6. If you could add a layer to your column to represent the entire atmosphere, describe how thick
you think it would be (assuming the same scale as the other layers).
7. What is one problem with our model, other than the size?(What about Earth is misrepresented)
DATA TABLE
Scoring Table:
A
B
C
LEAST Dense = HIGHEST score = Liquid _______
_______
_______
_______
MOST Dense = LOWEST score = Liquid _______
D
E