How Do You Determine Density Using A Eureka Can?
A Eureka can, or overflow jar, helps you to find the volume of an irregularly shaped item, and therefore to solve for its density. The name refers to Archimedes’ famous exclamation of “Eureka” when he determined how to prove a gold item wasn’t pure by using its overflow volume. The Eureka can is a beaker with a spout on the side. The spout slopes downward–the opposite of a watering can. Therefore, you can’t fill a Eureka can any higher than the interior hole for the spout. The downward slope of the spout simplifies collection of overflow in a separate vessel. Weigh the item, preferably with a gram scale instead of a pound scale, for maximum accuracy. Place the Eureka scale on a flat surface and fill it with water as high as you can, i.e. until it overflows. Place a second vessel under the spout of the can to catch the overflowing water. You should know the weight of this second vessel beforehand. Gently lower the item you are measuring, hanging from a thread or string, into the Eureka