Definition of Density Formula

Density is the term used to describe how much an object weights based on its size. A more dense object will weigh more than a less dense object of the same size.

Formula

To determine an object's density, divide its mass, or weight, by its volume. For example, if a cube weighs 10 kilograms and 5 meters cubed, the density would be 2 kg/m^3.

Function

The density of an element is heavily influenced by how many protons and neutrons are in the nucleus. The more that are crammed in, the denser the element will be.

Applications

Density has many applications including the construction of air planes. Designers try to use materials that are strong but not dense so the airplane will weigh less and therefore take less energy to fly.

Fun Fact

The densest metal on the periodic table is osmium with a density of 22,500 kg/m^3.

Fun Fact

Archimedes is given credit for using density to determine whether a crown was made of pure gold or a combination of gold and a cheaper alloy. He is said to have put the crown into a tub of water to determine its volume, which he then used to calculate its relative density.

References

• A Definition of Density
• Density of Osmium
• Archimedes