Density is a physical property of matter that measures the amount of mass per unit of volume. It is defined as mass divided by volume and is usually expressed in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3). Density is an important physical property of matter because it affects many of its physical and chemical properties, such as its boiling and melting points, and its solubility in various solvents.
The density of an object can be determined by dividing its mass by its volume. This is usually done using a balance to measure the mass of the object, and a graduated cylinder to measure its volume. Density is an intensive property, meaning that it does not depend on the size of the sample or the amount of material present. For example, the density of a substance will be the same no matter how much of the substance is present.
The density of a substance can also be determined from the composition of its atoms. For example, the density of a substance composed of a single element can be determined from the atomic mass of the element and its atomic volume. On the other hand, the density of a compound is usually determined from the densities of its constituent elements.
Density is an important property of matter because it is related to many other physical and chemical properties of matter. For example, the boiling and melting points of a substance are related to its density. In general, substances with higher densities tend to have higher boiling and melting points. Additionally, the solubility of a substance is also related to its density; in general, substances with higher densities tend to be more soluble in various solvents.
In conclusion, density is an important physical property of matter that is related to many of its physical and chemical properties. It is determined by dividing an object’s mass by its volume, and can also be determined from the composition of its atoms. Density is an intensive property, meaning that it does not depend on the size of the sample or the amount of material present.
References
Bennett, C. (2011). Chemistry: The Central Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., Herring, F. G., Madura, J. D., & Bissonnette, B. (2007). General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Jackson, R. B. (2011). Campbell Biology. San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings.