Density

Density is how much mass a substance packs into a given volume: its mass divided by its volume, usually in grams per cubic centimetre. Water's density is 1 g/cm³; a wooden cube is lighter than an iron cube of the same size because wood is less dense. A thing less dense than water floats in it and a denser one sinks, which is why a steel ship, a hollow shell full of air, floats while a steel nail sinks.

Depth 1 · Foundation

You can work out a density from a mass and a volume, compare substances by it, and use it to say whether a thing floats or sinks in water.

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Depths of understanding

1
Foundation
You can work out a density from a mass and a volume, compare substances by it, and use it to say whether a thing floats or sinks in water.
Opens after
MassDensity is mass shared out over volume, so you need to measure mass first.Volume, depth 2You need the volume in cubic centimetres too, and 1 cm³ = 1 mL.Floating and sinkingDensity explains the floating and sinking you have already seen.

Your path here

What's still between you and Density, depth 1, in the order you can learn it.

Where it fits

Builds on

MassMeasurement VolumeDepth 2 Floating and sinkingMechanics

This concept

DensityMatter and Its Properties

Builds onThis conceptMassMeasurement VolumeDepth 2 Floating and sinkingMechanics DensityMatter and Its Properties

Makes these deeper

Once you know Density, come back to these — they'll mean more.

Separating mixturesDepth 2A centrifuge separates parts by their density.