How many ways can you determine density?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on methods to determine density beyond the standard formula D=m/V. Participants highlight water displacement and geometric calculations, such as V=4/3πr² for spherical objects. Alternative methods include using the principles of buoyancy to infer density based on whether an object floats or sinks. Additionally, advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction patterns are mentioned, which can provide internuclear spacing data to calculate densities through packing fractions and atomic masses derived from mass spectrometry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the formula for density (D=m/V)
  • Knowledge of water displacement method for volume measurement
  • Familiarity with geometric volume calculations (e.g., V=4/3πr²)
  • Basic principles of buoyancy and specific gravity
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore X-ray diffraction techniques for density calculation
  • Research methods for determining atomic structure and its relation to density
  • Investigate the use of mass spectrometry in calculating atomic masses
  • Learn about packing fractions in different lattice types for density estimation
USEFUL FOR

Students, physicists, and chemists interested in material properties, density measurement techniques, and advanced analytical methods for determining atomic structures.

MarchON
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D=m/V

I've know that there is water displacement for volume and also V=4/3πr2 (object is a ball)

Is there any other way to determine density that does not involve directly finding volume?
I figure that if the object floats (and is not hollow) it is less dense than water, and if it sinks it is more dense, but can I get exact numbers from a similar method to this?
 
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I suppose that you might be able to determine the atomic structure somehow (aside from looking it up, I mean). That should eventually lead to specific gravity.
 
MarchON said:
D=m/V

I've know that there is water displacement for volume and also V=4/3πr2 (object is a ball)

Is there any other way to determine density that does not involve directly finding volume?
I figure that if the object floats (and is not hollow) it is less dense than water, and if it sinks it is more dense, but can I get exact numbers from a similar method to this?

You haven't mentioned a problem measuring the mass of the ball. Why is measuring the volume of the ball a problem for you?
 
Danger said:
I suppose that you might be able to determine the atomic structure somehow (aside from looking it up, I mean). That should eventually lead to specific gravity.

X-ray diffraction patterns yield internuclear spacing in lattices which can be used to calculate densities from packing fractions for lattice types and atomic masses (from mass spectrometry).
 
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I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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