Density Concepts and Principles

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of density, its formula, units, proportional relationships, and real-world examples.

Density

A substance property that tells how much mass is packed into a certain volume.

Substance property

A characteristic that can help identify a substance, such as taste, shape, colour, or density.

Kilogram ($\text{kg}$)

The SI base unit used to measure an object's mass.

Cubic metre ($\text{m}^3$)

A unit of volume that is derived from the metre.

Unit of density

A compound unit expressed as $\text{kg/m}^3$, determined by measuring mass in kilograms and volume in cubic metres.

Density formula

$\rho = \frac{m}{V}$ or $\rho = \frac{\text{mass (kg)}}{\text{volume (m}^3\text{)}}$, showing that density is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to volume.

Effect of volume increase on density

If the mass stays the same and the volume increases, the density decreases.

Effect of mass increase on density

If the mass increases and the volume stays the same, the density increases.

Hot-air balloon flight

Heating makes air particles move faster and spread out so the same mass takes up a larger volume, decreasing its density until it is less dense than the surrounding air and rises.

Dead Sea buoyancy

Because the water contains a great deal of salt, it holds many more particles of matter, making its density higher than the average density of the human body and causing a person to float.