Density

Definition: DENSITY is a physical property of matter, as each element and compound has a unique

density associated with it. Density defined in a qualitative manner as the measure of the relative

"heaviness" of objects with a constant volume.

For example: A rock is obviously more dense than a crumpled piece of paper of the same size.

A styrofoam cup is less dense than a ceramic cup.

Density may also refer to how closely "packed" or "crowded" the material

appears to be - again refer to the styrofoam vs. ceramic cup.

• The density (p) of an object of total mass M and volume V is given by:

                                              = .  

                                                     or                          

                            Density = Mass divided by Volume.

The following table shows that water becomes less dense as its temperature increases:

 More dense at freezing.

 Less dense at boiling.

Even our Solar System's planets have densities of their own:

The Density of the Planets

   

A comparison of the relative densities of the planets                  

in our solar system, as well as our Moon.

 

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