Why densities of pure and salt water are different

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences in density between pure water and salt water, emphasizing the formula for density (D = m/v). When salt is added to water, the mass increases due to the dissolved ions, while the volume changes as the ions fill the spaces between water molecules. The density of seawater ranges from 1020 to 1030 kg/m³, with total dissolved salts averaging 34.4 g/L. The presence of salt ions alters the arrangement of water molecules, resulting in a higher density compared to pure water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the density formula (D = m/v)
  • Basic knowledge of ionic compounds and their behavior in solutions
  • Familiarity with the concept of dissolved salts in water
  • Awareness of seawater density variations
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  • Research the effects of ionic strength on water density
  • Explore the relationship between temperature and seawater density
  • Learn about the composition of seawater and its impact on marine life
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of density changes in solutions
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Students and educators in marine science, chemists studying solution properties, and environmental scientists analyzing aquatic ecosystems.

yjk91
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Density = mass/volume (D=m/v), explain the difference in density of pure & salt water in words and using a mathematically based example
 
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The ions of the salt fill space within the liquid. Not sure about any equations to help with this.
 
density of pure water and impure water are different... as you said, density = mass/volume.

what do you think will happen to the mass and volume when salt is added to the water?!
 
symbolipoint said:
The ions of the salt fill space within the liquid. Not sure about any equations to help with this.

Not exactly, ions are ordering water molecules, changing how densely they are packed.
 

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