Calculate density, and identify substances using a density chart.
Density is a measure of the amount of mass in a certain
volume. This physical property is often used to identify and
classify substances. It is usually expressed in grams per cubic
centimeters, or g/cm3. The chart on the right lists the densities
of some common materials.
EQUATION: density = mass / volume
D=m/V
SAMPLE PROBLEM: What is the density of a billiard
ball that has a volume of 100 cm3 and a mass of 250 g?
D = 250 g / 100 cm3
D = 2.5 g/cm3
Your Turn!
1. A loaf of bread has a volume of 2270 cm3 and a mass of 454 g. What is the density of
the bread?
2. A liter of water has a mass of 1000 g. What is the density of water?
(Hint: 1 mL = 1 cm3)
3. A block of wood has a density of 0.6 g/cm3 and a volume of 1.2 cm3. What is the
mass of the block of wood? Be careful!
4. Use the data below to calculate the density of each unknown substance. Then use the
density chart to determine the identity of each substance.
Density
Substance (g/cm3)
Gold 19.3
Mercury 13.5
Lead 11.4
Iron 7.87
Aluminum 2.7
Bone 1.7–2.0
Gasoline 0.66–0.69
Air (dry) 0.00119
Mass (g) Volume (cm3) Density (g/cm3) Substance
Example:
4725 350 4725/350 = 13.5 mercury
a. 171 15
b. 108 40
c. 475 250
d. 680 1000