1. NOTES—WHAT IS DENSITY?
Density is the amount of mass per unit of volume; it describes how much matter is packed into a space.

2. NOTES—WHAT IS DENSITY? Density is a characteristic property of matter
A characteristic property does not depend on size (it will not change even if the amount of matter changes); therefore density is not dependent on the shape or amount of the substance
1mL of water has a density of 1g/cm3
1000 mL of water has a density of 1 g/cm3
It is used to identify one type of matter from another.
The density of a pure substance is constant (at same temperature and pressure); it never changes.

3. CALCULATING DENSITY You need to measure an object’s mass and volume
Density is calculated using the formula:
Density = mass (g) ÷ Volume (mL or cm3)
The basic unit for density is g/mL (liquid) or g/cm3 (solid or gas)
D= m v

4. CALCULATING DENSITY
When solving math problems, always show all work (even when using a calculator)
STEPS:
Rewrite the formula
Substitute measurements into formula
Solve, circle, and label units

5. Calculating density practice MUST SHOW WORK
Mass (g)
Volume (cm3)
Density (g/cm3 or g/mL)
200
200 mL
500
10 cm3
700
1000 mL

6. SIZE AND DENSITY-- Does the density of a substance change if the amount changes?
The density of a pure substance does not change if the size or amount changes
For example:
Find the density of a wooden block
if mass=8g and
volume= 10cm3
Density= ______
If the block is cut in half
Mass=
Volume=
Density =
Did the density change?
No, because the ratio of mass to volume is all relative

7. NOTES—WHAT IS DENSITY? Most dense least dense
The more space between the atoms, the less dense the substance is.
In general,
solids are more dense than liquids
liquids are much more dense than
gases, but less dense than solids
gases are the least dense of all

8. STATES OF MATTER AND DENSITY

9. How can you tell if something will float or sink in a liquid?
First, compare the density of the object/substance to the liquid it is in.
If an object/substance is more dense than the liquid, it will sink
If an object/substance is less dense than the liquid, it will float
If an object/substance’s density is the same as the liquid, it won’t sink or float to the top; it will move toward the center of the liquid

10. How can you tell if something will float or sink in a liquid?
The density of water is 1 g/mL.
Do you know why ice floats on water?
The density of ice is .92 g/cm3
For example:
certain types of wood have a density of .8 g/cm3, so they will float in water.
Steel has a density of 7.8 g/cm3, so it will sink in water.
See it in action:

11. Ships and boats are often made of steel. Why do they float on water?

12. How is density of matter effected by heat energy?
As temperature increases, so does the amount of energy
The more energy a substance has:
The more space between its molecules
The less dense it is
That’s why…
Solids are usually the most dense phase of matter
The molecules are tightly packed.
Solids maintain (keep) definite shape and volume.
The molecules don’t move around; they vibrate
Solids have little energy

13. How is density of matter effected by heat energy?
Liquids are less dense than solids
There is more space between the molecules
Liquids do not have a definite shape, but do have definite volume.
The molecules move slowly, sliding past one another; liquids have more energy than solids
An exception to the rule: Ice is less dense than liquid water. Do you know why?

14. How is density of matter effected by heat energy?
Gases are the least dense phase of matter
There is a lot of space between molecules
Gases do not have definite shape or volume; they fill the container they are in.
The molecules move very quickly; they have high energy.
As the molecules gain heat energy, they move faster and will expand (spread apart)
As the molecules lose heat energy, they move slower and will contract (move closer together)