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Density and Relative Density

Density is a physical property that measures mass per unit volume, expressed as mass/volume, with SI units in kg/m³. Relative density compares a substance's density to a reference, typically water, and is unitless, indicating whether a substance will float or sink. An experiment is outlined to determine both density and relative density of a solid object using mass measurement and water displacement.

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31 views3 pages

Density and Relative Density

Density is a physical property that measures mass per unit volume, expressed as mass/volume, with SI units in kg/m³. Relative density compares a substance's density to a reference, typically water, and is unitless, indicating whether a substance will float or sink. An experiment is outlined to determine both density and relative density of a solid object using mass measurement and water displacement.

Uploaded by

palmer okiemute
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DENSITY AND RELATIVE DENSITY

Density is a physical property of a substance that measures how much mass is contained in a given
volume. It is expressed mathematically as:

Density= mass/ volume

.ρ = m/v

The SI unit of density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), but it can also be expressed in grams per
cubic centimeter (g/cm³) for smaller objects. Density indicates how compact the matter in a substance
is. For example, iron is denser than water because it has more mass packed into a given volume.

Relative Density (Specific Gravity)

Relative density is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of a
reference substance, typically water at 4°C (for liquids and solids) or air (for gases). It is calculated as:

{Relative Density} = Density of the substance/{Density of the reference substance}}

If the relative density of a substance is greater than 1, it means the substance is denser than the
reference (e.g., water). If it is less than 1, the substance is less dense.

Key Differences

1. Definition: Density measures mass per unit volume, while relative density is a ratio comparing
densities.

2. Units: Density has units (kg/m³), while relative density is unitless.

3. Comparison: Density gives an absolute value, while relative density is a comparative measure.

4. Use: Density is used to calculate mass and volume, while relative density helps determine whether a
substance will float or sink in the reference substance.

DENSITY EXPERIMENT
Objective:
To determine the density and relative density of a solid object.

Materials Required:
1. A solid object (like a small metal cube or a stone)
2. Measuring cylinder
3. Water
4. Weighing balance
5. Thread (if the object sinks)
Theory:
1. Density (ρ): m/v
Where:
m = mass of the object (kg)
v = volume of the object (m³)

2. Relative Density (RD):


RD = density of the object/ density of water

Since the density of water is approximately 1000kg/m3


RD = ρobject/ ρwater

Procedure:
1. Measuring Mass:
Use a weighing balance to measure the mass of the solid object.

2. Measuring Volume by Displacement:


Fill a measuring cylinder with a known volume of water V1
Tie the solid object with a thread (if it sinks) and submerge it completely in the water.
Record the new volume (V2) after immersion.
The volume of the object (V) is given by:
V= V2 _ V1
3. Calculating Density:
Use the formula: ρ = m/v

4. Calculating Relative Density:


Use the formula:RD = = ρobject/ ρwater

Observations and Calculations:


Mass m Initial volumeV1 Final volume V2

Conclusion:
If RD is greater than 1, the object is denser than water and will sink.
If RD is less than 1, the object is less dense and will float.

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