How To Measure the Density of a Solid

Density shows how tightly packed together molecules are in an object. Density is dependent on mass and volume. The greater the mass, the higher the density. The lower the volume, the higher the density. Density is an important component of determining physical properties of a solid.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Balance scale

Instructions

1. Measure the length, width and height of an object with the ruler. For example, a rectangular metal had a length of three centimeters, width of four centimeters and height of four centimeters.

2. Multiply the lengthy by width by height to determine volume. In the example, three centimeters times four centimeters times four centimeters equals a volume of 48 centimeters cubed.

3. Mass the solid on the balance scale. In the example, the rectangular solid has a mass of six grams.

4. Divide the mass by the volume of the solid to calculate density. In the example, six grams divided by 48 centimeters cubed equals a density of 0.125 grams per centimeter cubed.

References

• Ed Informatics: Density
• Practical Physics: Measuring the Density of Regular Solid Shapes