Scribd
Upload
10 views4 pages

Density

Uploaded by

ashley.teye.26
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views4 pages

Density

Uploaded by

ashley.teye.26
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

CLASS: FORM THREE

TOPIC: SUMMARY NOTES ON DENSITY

Objectives:

1. Discover what is meant by density


2. Learn how to calculate density
3. Compare the densities of solids, liquids, and gases
4. Understand and predict whether objects will float or sink in water
5. Learn about the law of floatation and Archimedes' principle
Density

● Definition: Density is the mass of an object divided by its volume. It tells us how much
matter is packed into a specific space.
● Density can also be defined as the measure of how much mass is contained in a given
volume. It indicates how compact or concentrated a substance is.
● Density calculated using the formula: Density = Mass
Volume

● The standard unit of density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), but it can also be
grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).

NB: 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³

● Example:If you have a block of wood that has a mass of 50 grams and a volume of 100
cm³, its density is: Density = 50 = 0.5 g/cm³
100

● Mass: The amount of matter in an object measured in kilograms(kg) or grams (g).


● Volume: The amount of space an object occupies and measured in cubic meters (m³) or
cubic centimeters (cm³)

Everyday Examples:

● Helium balloons: Helium is less dense than air, so helium balloons rise.
● Ships floating: Ships float because their large volume allows them to displace enough
water, even though they're made of dense materials like steel.

How to Find the Volume of Objects

Finding the Volume of Regular Objects (Cubes, Rectangular Prisms):

For regular-shaped objects, you can calculate the volume using mathematical formulas.

● Cube:

Volume = L x L x L= L³

● Example: A cube with a side of 5 cm has a volume of:

Volume= L³ = 5 x 5 x 5 = 125cm³

● Rectangular Prism:

Volume = length x width x height


● Example: A box with dimensions 4 cm, 6 cm, and 8 cm has a volume of:

Volume= 4×6×8=192cm³

Finding the Volume of Irregular Objects

● For irregular-shaped objects, we use water displacement to measure volume. This is


based on Archimedes' Principle.
● Fill a graduated cylinder with water and record the initial water level.
● Submerge the irregular object in the water.
● Record the new water level.
● The difference between the two water levels gives you the volume of the object.
● Example: If the water level rises from 100 cm³ to 125 cm³ after you place a rock in it, the
volume of the rock is: 125cm³ −100cm³ = 25cm³

Comparing the Densities of Solids, Liquids, and Gases

● Solids: Generally, solids are denser than liquids and gases because their particles are
closely packed.
○ Example: Metals like iron (7.87 g/cm³) are denser than water.
● Liquids: Less dense than solids but denser than gases. Liquids have particles that are
less tightly packed.
○ Example: Water has a density of 1 g/cm³.
● Gases: Gases are the least dense because their particles are spread out.
○ Example: Air has a density of about 0.001225 g/cm

Predicting Whether Objects Will Float or Sink

● Objects will float in a fluid if their density is less than that of the fluid.
○ Example: A piece of wood with a density of 0.5 g/cm³ will float on water because
water is denser (1 g/cm³).
● Objects will sink if their density is greater than the fluid.
○ Example: A metal cube with a density of 8 g/cm³ will sink in water.

Law of Floatation

● Law of Floatation: An object will float in a liquid if the weight of the liquid displaced by
the object is equal to the weight of the object.
○ Explanation: A ship floats because it displaces a large amount of water, and the
weight of the displaced water equals the weight of the ship.

Archimedes' Principle

● Archimedes' Principle: When an object is immersed in a fluid, it experiences an


upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
○ Example: If you drop a solid object into a bucket of water, it pushes water aside.
The object experiences a force pushing it upward, which is the buoyant force.
○ Practical Application: Submarines and ships use this principle to control their
buoyancy and float in water.

Sample Questions To Try On Your Own

1. What is the density of an object with a mass of 400 g and a volume of 100 cm³?
2. Which will float in water, an object with a density of 0.8 g/cm³ or an object with a density
of 1.5 g/cm³?
3. What is Archimedes' principle?
4. Why does a ship float despite being made of dense metal?
5. How does the density of gases compare to solids and liquids?

Note: For further studying and graphical representation, refer to your learners’ science textbook
9

You might also like