Each substance consists of very small particles that together form the mass of the substance.
These small particles are called molecules.
In general you can say:
In the case of a solid, the molecules are close to each other >> high density.
With a liquid, the molecules are further apart from each other >> lower density.
With a gas, the molecules are 'far' from each other >> lowest density.
Note: there are exceptions to this rule because molecules of different substances also have a different structure.
You can calculate density, mass and volume with the formula:
In this is:
ρ the symbol for density | the unit is: | g/cm3 | or | kg/dm3 |
m the symbol for mass | the unit is: | g | or | kg |
V the symbol for volume | the unit is: | cm3 | or | dm3 |
Example 1:
Calculate the density if m = 40 g and V = 10 cm3.
F: | ρ = m / V |
i: | ρ = 40 / 10 |
A: | ρ = 4 g/cm3 |