Physics·General Physics · NSSCO 2.6
Density
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Why does a huge steel ship float while a tiny steel nail sinks? The answer is density — how tightly matter is packed into a space. We'll build the formula ρ = m ÷ V, get comfy with its units, then measure the density of a regular solid, an irregular solid (by displacement) and a liquid — and finish by predicting whether anything will float or sink.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Physics 2.6):
- Relate density to the mass and volume of an object and recall and use density = mass ÷ volume (ρ = m ÷ V)
- State and use the units of density (g/cm³ and kg/m³)
- Describe an experiment to determine the density of a regularly shaped solid
- Describe how to determine the density of an irregularly shaped solid by the method of displacement
- Describe an experiment to determine the density of a liquid
- Describe floating and sinking in terms of different densities
- State that water is at its maximum density around 4 °C and explain how this is an advantage to aquatic life
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Ms Elizabeth and Mike talk through the whole topic — with the figure and working drawn live.