Density is calculated using the formula p = m/V, where p stands for the density, m for mass, and V for volume. Mass (m) divided by volume (v) equals density (p) (V).
The formula, which has three components, can be stated differently depending on the component you want to compute.
To calculate density: p = m/V
To calculate mass: m = pV
To calculate volume: V = m/p
If the age-old conundrum, “Which weighs more: a pound of feathers or a pound of lead?,” has ever deceived you, you wouldn’t be alone then. We may unconsciously combine weight and density even though they are two different notions, despite the fact that the lead and feathers both weigh precisely the same (oh, a pound). So, hey, don’t feel stupid. Discover exactly what density is, how it functions, and how to calculate density by reading on.
Density: Mass per volume, not merely absolute mass, is what determines density. Therefore, the answer to the question, “Which weighs more: a 500ml jug full of feathers or a 500ml jug full of lead?,” is the lead. Lead weighs substantially more than feathers for the same amount of volume it occupies (mass).
The degree to which a substance is compressed or compacted is another way to define density. A pound of lead feels considerably more substantial, therefore it is denser than a pound of feathers, which are packed with airy space and not at all dense. You should never say that your Auntie Mabel’s sponge cake is dense because she probably intended for it to be a little airier.
Density also determines whether objects float or sink. The least dense substance floats to the top when two or more compounds are combined, whereas the substance with the highest density sinks to the bottom. Try combining oil and water to observe how the layers separate, with the less dense oil rising to the top.
Always pay attention to your units; if your measurements are in something other than the common g, kg, or m3 per cm3 or m3, utilize our unit converters.
To calculate density, you divide the mass by the volume: Density = Mass ÷ Volume
In mathematics, density is frequently represented by the letters p or D. Volume and mass can both be written as V and m, respectively. In order to be fancy, the formula is as follows:
p = m/V
If you’re not yet comfortable with the concept of volume which has to do with filling space check out our guide on volume and weight and our volume calculator.
Consequently, if you have a kilogram of cheese with a volume of 0.0002 m3, you not only have some strange and amazing dreams on your hands, but you also have cheese with a density of 5000 kg/m3 (p = 1 kg/0.0002 m3).
