How many ways can you determine density?

[MarchON]

D=m/V

I've know that there is water displacement for volume and also V=4/3πr² (object is a ball)

Is there any other way to determine density that does not involve directly finding volume?
I figure that if the object floats (and is not hollow) it is less dense than water, and if it sinks it is more dense, but can I get exact numbers from a similar method to this?

 

[Danger]

I suppose that you might be able to determine the atomic structure somehow (aside from looking it up, I mean). That should eventually lead to specific gravity.

 

[SteamKing]

D=m/V

I've know that there is water displacement for volume and also V=4/3πr² (object is a ball)

Is there any other way to determine density that does not involve directly finding volume?
I figure that if the object floats (and is not hollow) it is less dense than water, and if it sinks it is more dense, but can I get exact numbers from a similar method to this?

You haven't mentioned a problem measuring the mass of the ball. Why is measuring the volume of the ball a problem for you?

 

[Bystander]

I suppose that you might be able to determine the atomic structure somehow (aside from looking it up, I mean). That should eventually lead to specific gravity.

X-ray diffraction patterns yield internuclear spacing in lattices which can be used to calculate densities from packing fractions for lattice types and atomic masses (from mass spectrometry).

 

[pmacias]

Yes, there are other ways to determine density without directly finding volume. One way is to use the Archimedes' Principle, which states that an object will displace its own weight in a fluid. By measuring the weight of the object in air and then in water, you can calculate the density using the formula D = m/(m - w), where m is the mass of the object and w is the weight of the object in water.

Another method is to use a density gradient column, where different liquids with known densities are layered in a column and the object is placed in the column. The position at which the object settles can be used to determine its density.

Additionally, if the object is a regular shape, its density can be determined by measuring its dimensions and using the appropriate formula for volume (such as V = 4/3πr^3 for a sphere). This can then be used in the formula D = m/V to calculate density.

In summary, there are multiple ways to determine density, including water displacement, Archimedes' Principle, density gradient columns, and using the dimensions of a regular shaped object.