Finding density when given mass and volume

Thread starter samarama08
Start date Sep 25, 2010
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Density Mass Volume

In summary, density is the measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. It is important to find because it can help identify and classify different materials, and can also be used to determine the suitability of a material for a specific purpose. Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume, and common units for density include grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) and kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). Density can affect an object's behavior in various ways, such as its ability to float or sink and its strength and conductivity. Density can also be used to identify unknown substances by comparing their calculated density to known values, but other factors should also be considered in the identification process.

Sep 25, 2010

samarama08

A sample of an unknown metal has a mass of 3.51x10^3 mg and a volume of 8.01 cm3. What is the density of the metal in units of grams per cubic centimeter?

I have tried the density formula, d=m/v but the answer keeps coming up incorrect. I am not quite sure how to find this density when the mass is in scientific formula.

can anyone help

thanks

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Sep 25, 2010

Yanick

Check your units.

FAQ: Finding density when given mass and volume

What is density and why is it important to find?

Density is the measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. It is important to find because it can help identify and classify different materials, and can also be used to determine the suitability of a material for a specific purpose.

How do I calculate density when given mass and volume?

Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. The equation is: Density = Mass/Volume. Make sure to use the correct units for mass (usually grams) and volume (usually cubic centimeters).

What are common units for density?

The most common units for density are grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) and kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). However, depending on the context, other units such as grams per milliliter (g/mL) or pounds per cubic inch (lb/in³) may also be used.

How does density affect the behavior of objects?

Density can affect an object's behavior in various ways. For example, objects with higher density tend to sink in liquids, while objects with lower density tend to float. In addition, density can determine the strength and durability of materials, as well as their ability to conduct heat and electricity.

Can density be used to identify unknown substances?

Yes, density can be a useful tool in identifying unknown substances. Each material has a unique density, so by calculating the density of an unknown substance and comparing it to known densities, it may be possible to determine the identity of the substance. However, other factors such as temperature and pressure can also affect density, so it should not be the sole method of identification.