Examples of Density for Substances & in Real Life

Density is calculated according to the simple formula:

• p=M/v

That is, density (p) is equal to total mass (M) divided by total volume (v). This formula can be used to determine the density of any substance. Common units for the measurement of density include grams (g), milliliters (ml), or grams per cubic centimeter. For instance, if there are 50 grams of a given substance within a cubic centimeter, that unit’s density is 50g/mm3.

Density can vary according to temperature and pressure. Applying pressure to an object decreases volume, which then increases density. Increasing the temperature of an object almost always decreases its density by increasing its volume.

By heating the bottom of a volume, especially a fluid volume such as a liquid or gas, convection causes the substance to rise, thus increasing the volume. The temperature variation is typically minor in solids and most liquids, but much greater in gases. The abbreviations to know are:

• NTP: Normal Temperature and Pressure. Equal to 20 degrees C (68 F) and 1 atmosphere of pressure. Our examples below are all at NTP.
• STP: Standard Temperature and Pressure. Equal to 0 degrees C (32 F) and 1 atmosphere of pressure.

These standardized pressures and temperatures make it possible to confirm equal densities are being used regardless of the application.

Examples of relative density, or different densities in different substances, occur throughout everyday life.

• In an oil spill in the ocean, the oil rises to the top because it is less dense than water, creating an oil slick on the surface of the ocean.
• A Styrofoam cup is less dense than a ceramic cup, so the Styrofoam cup will float in water and the ceramic cup will sink.
• Wood generally floats on water because it is less dense than water. Rocks, generally being denser than water, usually sink. This obvious example illustrates the power of science in real life. Many widely used hardwoods, such as ebony, mahogany and lignum vitae, are dense enough to sink in water, and a few rocks, such as pumice, are light enough to float. Scientifically, what counts isn’t the fact that one is wood and the other stone. All that matters is the relative densities of the substances.
• Helium balloons rise because helium is less dense than the surrounding air. Over time, the helium escapes the balloon and is replaced by air, causing it to sink.
• Oil floats on vinegar because its density is lower.

The following are examples of the density of various substances in grams per cubic centimeter, as measured at room temperature and 1 atmosphere of pressure (NTP).

The density of gases is strongly affected by pressure and temperature. These have all been measured at room temperature and 1 atmosphere of pressure. Results are presented in gram per cubic centimeter.

These substances are liquid at room temperature. As a rule, they are less affected by pressure and temperature than gases, but there are still measurable differences. These are their densities by gram per cubic centimeter at room temperature and 1 atmosphere of pressure.

These substances are solid at normal temperature and pressure. Solids are generally the least subject to pressure and temperature changes relative to other states of matter, but small changes are still changes. When taking measurements, always be sure to check for temperature and pressure.

Density is one of the fundamental physical properties of any substance. Understanding what it is and how it’s calculated is crucial in virtually every scientific field, particularly materials science, engineering and any discipline related to manufacturing.

Did you know the reflective property of a surface is called its albedo, and that some surfaces have an albedo so high they’re dangerous to look at? For more facts and fundamentals, read through these examples of physical properties and examples of scientific notation.