Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. It is typically expressed in units such as grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
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Density is calculated using the formula $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$, where $\rho$ is density, $m$ is mass, and $V$ is volume.
The density of a substance can help identify it, as different materials have characteristic densities.
Temperature and pressure can affect the density of a substance; typically, increasing temperature decreases density while increasing pressure increases density.
Water has a maximum density at 4°C, which is approximately 1 g/cm³.
Density plays a crucial role in buoyancy; an object will float in a fluid if its density is less than that of the fluid.
Review Questions
What formula is used to calculate the density of an object?
How does temperature generally affect the density of most substances?
Why does an object with lower density than water float when placed in water?