Density Basics
Density is a measure of how much matter (mass) there is in a given amount of space (volume). Density basically describes how tightly packed the tiny particles that make up any substance/material are. The higher the density, the more closely packed the particles (called atoms and molecules) are. The lower the density, the more spaced out the particles are.
Density is a measure of how much matter (mass) there is in a given amount of space (volume). Density basically describes how tightly packed the tiny particles that make up any substance/material are. The higher the density, the more closely packed the particles (called atoms and molecules) are. The lower the density, the more spaced out the particles are.
The density of a material can be found by measuring its mass (g) and volume (mL for liquids, cm3 for solids), then dividing the mass by its volume. But can the density of a material change? Below we will address this question by determining of shape, size/amount, or temperature can change the density of a material.
As we have observed, a material that is more dense than the material around it will sink. Material that is less dense than the material around it will float. This explains why the Earth layers in the way that it does! The most dense layer (inner core) "sinks", while the least dense layer (crust) "floats"!

1. Does shape affect density?
If the same piece of clay is shaped into two different shapes (oval and hollow square), then does its density change? In order to answer this question, we simply need to measure the mass and volume of the clay at each shape.
If the same piece of clay is shaped into two different shapes (oval and hollow square), then does its density change? In order to answer this question, we simply need to measure the mass and volume of the clay at each shape.
Since the mass and volume both do not change when re-shaping the clay, the density does not change. Even though it may seem as if the clay is more compressed (tightly packed) in the oval than in the hollow square, the spacing between those tiny particles that make up the clay is constant (does not change). Therefore, the shape of a material/substance does not affect its density.

2. Does size (or amount) affect density?
Dr. OPHERC holds two different amounts of molasses that came from the same jar. Does the amount of molasses affect its density?
Again, in order to answer this question, we simply need to measure the mass and volume of the molasses at each amount.
Dr. OPHERC holds two different amounts of molasses that came from the same jar. Does the amount of molasses affect its density?
Again, in order to answer this question, we simply need to measure the mass and volume of the molasses at each amount.
The mass and volume both change when changing the amount of molasses. However, the density does not change. This is because the mass and volume increase at the same rate/proportion! Even though there is more molasses (mass) in test tube A, the molasses also takes up more space (volume). Therefore, the spacing between those tiny particles that make up the molasses is constant (does not change). In other words, the size or amount of a material/substance does not affect its density.
3. Does temperature affect density?
If we heat or chill the same amount of water, then does the density of the water change? Fairly measuring the mass and volume of the water (in order to address this question) is a bit more challenging, because water evaporates when heated, thus affecting both the mass and the volume of water being measured.
Check out the video below on "lake stratification" in order to learn more about how temperature affects the density of water (and other materials).
If we heat or chill the same amount of water, then does the density of the water change? Fairly measuring the mass and volume of the water (in order to address this question) is a bit more challenging, because water evaporates when heated, thus affecting both the mass and the volume of water being measured.
Check out the video below on "lake stratification" in order to learn more about how temperature affects the density of water (and other materials).
Matter generally compresses (packs up/tightens up) at cooler temperatures, and spreads out at warmer temperatures. This is very similar to the behavior of penguins. During the brutally cold winter, penguins huddle (compress). But during the warmer seasons, penguins spread out. | Therefore, temperature does affect density. The relationship between temperature and density explains how hot air balloons work, why we run a hard-to-open jar under hot water, and why the bottom layers of a lake are much cooler than the top layers! |
Assignment
Complete the assignment on Google Classroom.
Complete the assignment on Google Classroom.