Experiment 1 Background

Density
by
Katherine Lucas
Chem 112-26 Amos Dwamena
September 13, 2016

Why does ice float in a cup of water? Why does a metal coin sink when it is thrown into a
fountain? Why does carbon disperse into the air around an open soda can? The answer is density.
Density is the mass of an object relative to the amount of space it takes up. In terms of the
density of any specific compound, mass and volume have a proportional relationship. Density is
most commonly measured in g/cm3, where mass is measured in grams and volume is measured in
cubic centimeters or milliliters, but other SI units can be used as well. 1 Although the process of
measuring the density of gases is a little more complex, it is still possible. When measuring the
density of gas, is it important to take into account its temperature.2 In gases, temperature and
volume are proportional. Density of gases are often measured in g/L, but, for large volumes, can
also be labeled as kg/m3.3
Density can be useful for more than just determining whether objects will sink or float when
mixed with another substance. Identifying pure substances is also possible by looking at the
density of an element.
Density can be used in many careers and is actually an important aspect for scuba divers to be
aware of. If the diver were to try to breath air of a lesser density than the water surrounding him,
the lungs of the diver would collapse, so the density of the pressurized air inside of the air tank is
crucial for the success of a diver.4 Engineering fields need to be aware of the density of materials
they are using. Although the average person does not figure the density of everyday objects, it is
of importance in the structure of the world around them. Density allows ships to float, buildings
to stand, and ice to form at the top of a lake.
Water is considered a special substance because it has a density of about 1.00 g/mL. As
temperature fluctuates, the density of water varies slightly. The water displacement test is a
popular way to figure density. First, the weight of the object must be recorded. Then, by
submerging the irregularly shaped object in an appropriate amount of water, the volume can be
determined by calculating the difference in volume of the initial measurement of water from the
resulting measurement of water. By plugging in the weight and volume observed, one can
determine the density of the substance.5

http://serc.carleton.edu/mathyouneed/density/index.html, accessed September 13, 2016

http://www.chemteam.info/GasLaw/GasDensity.html, accessed September 13, 2016
3
http://chemistry.bd.psu.edu/jircitano/gases.html, accessed September 13, 2016
4
http://www.physics.itsbaxter.com/pressure.html, accessed September 13, 2016
5
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/measurement/faq/density-by-displacement.shtml, accessed September 13, 2016
2