Understanding Density
What is Density?
Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. It's expressed by the formula: ρ = m / V, where ρ (rho) is density, m is mass, and V is volume. Objects with higher density have more mass packed into the same volume.
How to Use This Calculator
Three Calculation Modes:
- 1.Find Density: Enter mass and volume to calculate density. Example: A 100g object with 50cm³ volume has density of 2 g/cm³.
- 2.Find Volume: Enter mass and density to calculate volume. Example: A 500g object with density 2.5 g/cm³ has volume of 200 cm³.
- 3.Find Mass: Enter density and volume to calculate mass. Example: An object with density 7.8 g/cm³ and volume 10 cm³ has mass of 78g.
Common Material Densities
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| Water (20°C) | 1.00 | 1000 |
| Aluminum | 2.70 | 2700 |
| Iron | 7.87 | 7870 |
| Copper | 8.96 | 8960 |
| Lead | 11.34 | 11340 |
| Gold | 19.32 | 19320 |
| Air (20°C, 1 atm) | 0.0012 | 1.2 |
Practical Applications
🔬 Science & Engineering
- • Material identification and quality control
- • Chemical composition analysis
- • Structural engineering calculations
- • Fluid dynamics and hydraulics
🏭 Industry & Manufacturing
- • Quality control in production
- • Packaging and shipping calculations
- • Material selection for products
- • Cost estimation based on weight
🧪 Chemistry & Physics
- • Concentration calculations
- • Buoyancy and flotation studies
- • Phase transition analysis
- • Mixture composition determination
🌍 Environmental Science
- • Soil and water quality testing
- • Pollution concentration monitoring
- • Oceanography and marine studies
- • Atmospheric research
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do objects float or sink?
An object will float in a fluid if its density is less than the fluid's density, and sink if it's denser. This is why wood (density ~0.6 g/cm³) floats in water (1 g/cm³), while metal (density 2-20 g/cm³) sinks.
How accurate should my measurements be?
For scientific purposes, use precise measurements with appropriate significant figures. For everyday calculations, 2-3 decimal places are usually sufficient. Remember that measurement accuracy affects calculation accuracy.
Can I use this calculator for gases?
Yes, but note that gas density varies significantly with temperature and pressure. Standard conditions (0°C, 1 atm) are typically used for reference. For precise gas calculations, consider using the ideal gas law.