Density Calculator

Measuring Compactness

Density is a fundamental property of matter that measures its mass per unit volume. In simple terms, it describes how tightly packed the matter in a substance is. This calculator finds the density of a substance by dividing its mass by its volume.

The Density Formula Explained

The formula for density is: ρ = m / V

• ρ (Rho): The symbol for density, typically measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
• m (Mass): The amount of matter in the object, measured in kilograms (kg).
• V (Volume): The amount of space the object occupies, measured in cubic meters (m³).

How to Use the Calculator

1. Mass (kg): Enter the mass of the object in kilograms.
2. Volume (m³): Enter the volume of the object in cubic meters.
3. Calculate: The tool will display the calculated density.

Real-World Example

A block of aluminum has a mass of 5.4 kg and a volume of 0.002 m³.

• Mass (m): 5.4 kg
• Volume (V): 0.002 m³
• Calculation: Density = 5.4 kg / 0.002 m³ = 2700 kg/m³
• The density of the aluminum block is 2700 kg/m³.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is density useful? Density is a characteristic property of a pure substance. It can be used to identify materials. It also determines whether an object will float or sink in a fluid (an object will float if it is less dense than the fluid).
• What are other common units for density? Density is also often expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). To convert from kg/m³ to g/cm³, you divide by 1000. So, 2700 kg/m³ is equal to 2.7 g/cm³.
• Does temperature affect density? Yes. For most substances, density decreases slightly as temperature increases, because the substance expands and its volume increases while its mass stays the same.