Solve Problem with Density: Find Object's Density

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In summary, density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance and is used to identify and characterize different materials. To calculate density, you need to know the mass and volume of an object. It is different from specific gravity, which is a relative measure. Density can be used to identify unknown substances by comparing their densities to known values. It has various applications in fields such as chemistry, physics, engineering, and geology, as well as in everyday life.
  • #1
yoleven
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Homework Statement


if an object weighs 20 grams in air but 3.5 grams in a liquid of density 1.7g/c,^3
What is the density of the object?


Homework Equations


density=m/v


The Attempt at a Solution


v=20-3.5/1.7
=9.7
then, density would be;
d=3.5/9.7
=0.36
Is that correct?
 
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  • #2
yoleven said:

The Attempt at a Solution


v=20-3.5/1.7
=9.7
This is good. (Units = cm^3, I presume.)
then, density would be;
d=3.5/9.7
=0.36
Careful. What's the mass of the object?
 
  • #3
thanks, as usual!
 
  • #4
mass is a measure of matter not weight!
 

1. What is density and why is it important?

Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. It is important because it helps us identify and characterize different materials, and can also be used to solve problems related to objects' size, weight, and composition.

2. How do you calculate an object's density?

To calculate an object's density, you need to know its mass and volume. The formula for density is: density = mass / volume. The units for density are typically grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3).

3. What is the difference between density and specific gravity?

Density and specific gravity are related, but they are not the same thing. Density is an absolute measure of a substance's mass per unit volume, while specific gravity is a relative measure of a substance's density compared to the density of water (which is assigned a value of 1). Specific gravity has no units, as it is a ratio.

4. How can density be used to identify an unknown substance?

Density can be used to identify an unknown substance by comparing its density to known values of different substances. Each substance has a unique density, so if you know the density of a substance, you can determine what it is by comparing it to known values. You can also use density to determine if a substance is pure or a mixture, as mixtures will have a range of densities depending on their composition.

5. What are some real-world applications of using density to solve problems?

Density is a commonly used concept in many fields, including chemistry, physics, engineering, and geology. It can be used to determine the purity of substances, identify unknown materials, and calculate the strength and stability of structures. It is also used in industries such as oil and gas, where the density of different liquids and gases is important for extraction and processing. Density is also used in everyday life, such as determining the appropriate amount of ingredients for recipes or the proper amount of fuel for a car's gas tank.

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