Calculate Density, Mass and Volume

Density is an example of a compound measure, which is one that involves more than one unit of measurement. 

Density is a measure of mass (e.g. kg, g) in relation to unit volume (e.g. m³, cm³,) and can be measured in kg/m³, g/cm³, etc.

You should know the following formulae and may find the triangle helpful for remembering the three mass, density and volume formulae.

Example 1

A large block of oak has a mass of 185 kg and a volume of 0.25 m³. 

Find its density in kg/m³.

Answer

Density = Mass ÷ Volume = 185 ÷ 0.25 = 740  kg/m³.

Example 2

Aluminium has a density of 2.712 g/cm³.  Find the mass of a piece of aluminium with a volume of 12 cm³.

Give your answer to 3 sig. figs.

Answer

Mass = Density x Volume

Mass = 2.712 x 12 = 32.5 g

Now let's apply these formulae by tackling some questions together!