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PPhysicsChemistryS1 to S5Mining
Mining lab: identify minerals by their density
Tin, tantalum and tungsten ores are among Rwanda’s most important exports. Weigh mineral samples, measure their volume and identify them, like a mining geologist.
LevelS1 to S5 (and IGCSE)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useDensity, displacement, Archimedes
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To measure the density of mineral samples by displacement and by weighing in water, and to use density to identify them.
You will learn to
- Measure volume by displacement and calculate density.
- Use Archimedes’ principle to find density.
- Identify minerals from a table of densities.
- Explain gravity separation of ores.
🧭 What to do
- Choose Sample A and read its mass on the balance.
- Tap Put the sample in the water and read the new water level.
- Tap Record, then do the same for the other samples.
- Try the Weigh in water (Archimedes) method: do you get the same density?
- Identify each sample with the table of densities and answer the questions.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
Mass and volume of seven mineral samples (volume by displacement, read to 0.5 cm³).
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Practical worksheet: density of stones and minerals with a measuring cylinder
- Ore and mining calculations
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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