Density Reading

Defining Density Density is an important [blank_start]physical[blank_end] property of matter. It reflects how [blank_start]closely[blank_end] packed the particles of matter are. When particles are packed together more tightly, matter has greater [blank_start]density[blank_end].

To better understand density, think about a bowling ball and volleyball, pictured in the Figure below. Imagine lifting each ball. The two balls are about the [blank_start]same[blank_end] size, but the bowling ball feels much [blank_start]heavier[blank_end] than the volleyball. That’s because the bowling ball is made of [blank_start]solid plastic[blank_end], which contains a lot of [blank_start]tightly packed[blank_end] particles of matter. The volleyball, in contrast, is full of [blank_start]air[blank_end], which contains fewer, more [blank_start]widely spaced[blank_end] particles of matter. In other words, the matter inside the bowling ball is [blank_start]denser[blank_end] than the matter inside the volleyball.

The density of matter is actually the amount of [blank_start]matter[blank_end] in a given [blank_start]space[blank_end]. The amount of matter is measured by its [blank_start]mass[blank_end], and the space matter takes up is measured by its [blank_start]volume[blank_end]. Therefore, the density of matter can be calculated with this formula: Density=[blank_start]mass[blank_end] / [blank_start]volume[blank_end]

What is the density of a liquid that has a volume of 30 mL and a mass of 300 g? A: The density of the liquid is: Mass =[blank_start]300[blank_end] g Volume =[blank_start]10[blank_end] mL Density = [blank_start]30[blank_end] g/ml