Determining the density of an unknown solid?

Question

In determining the density of an unknown solid, it was immersed in water. If a portion of the sample sticks out of the water, how will this effect the calculation of the density?

Answer 1

In a pycnometer (density measuring device) you totally immese the solid in water in a container of fixed volume; then you can compare the weight with the weigh of the water only. You can then eliminate the need to know the volume of the solid. Of course, the solid has to be insoluble in water.