Diet Coke vs.

Regular Coke
The Density Test

Introduction
Why do objects that are the same size sometimes
have different weights? The answer has to do with
their density. An object's density is determined by
comparing its mass to its volume. If you compare a
rock and a cork that are the same size, which is
heavier? The rock is, because its heavier. The rock
is denser than the cork, then, because it has more
mass in the same volume
A can of Diet Coke floats and a regular can of Coke
sinks, despite the pair containing the same amount
of liquid and in the same model of can, the regular
Cokes combined ingredients must be more dense.

Density Test

Materials:

Large clear bucket

Can of diet coke

Can of regular coke

Water

Salt

Procedures
Place the can of regular coke
and ask class to observe
what happened to the candid it sink or float?
Then proceed to do the
previous step with the can of
diet coke, and notice the
difference between the two.
Lastly, take the cans out and
add about 13 oz of salt to
make the water denser. Then
add both cans and observe
what happens.

Discussion

Ask the students what were the patterns they observed with
the sodas and how does the density of the cans affect
whether they sink or float.

Bed of Nails

I. Introduction
The purpose of this lesson is to
demonstrate the physics of pressure
and the difference between pressure
and force.
In this experiment, force is the weight
of the mass pushing down on the
balloon and thus the nails. Pressure
is the force per unit area.

Notes
As the number of nails is increased, the amount of
pressure required to pop the balloon should increase.
Have the students use the circumference string to get
each inflated balloon to the same size.
The pattern of the nails is an important determinant in
judging the accuracy of the data.
For example, 4 nails arranged in a sporadic pattern will
pop a balloon much easier than 4 nails in a tight, cubic
pattern.

Have the students predict what might happen when

the number of nails is increased or decreased.

II. Preparation for Demo

One block with 1 nail in
the center
One block with 4 nails
clustered in the center.
One block with all 9
nails.

II. Preparation (cont.)

Use the balloon pump to
blow up three 7 balloons.
Use 8 pumps - 1 pump is up
and back.
Put one of the circumference
strings around each balloon
and either add air or let out
air until balloon has this
circumference.
Tie off the balloon.

III. Doing the Demo

Slowly apply pressure by
pushing down on the top board
until the balloon breaks.
Record the mark that was
reached when balloon broke.
Use the block with 4 nails in a
cluster, and repeat previous
steps.
Use the block with 9 nails, and
repeat.
Discuss the results of the
demonstration with the
students

V. Discussion

Ask a student from each group to explain the differences in

the amount of force that was required for the patterns of
nails that they tried.