Using density to identify unknown substances worksheet

Density is a crucial property used to identify substances because each pure substance has a unique density at a given temperature and pressure. This means that by measuring the density of an unknown substance and comparing it to known densities, we can identify the substance.

Understanding Density

Density is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume.

The formula is:

Density (ρ) = Mass (m) / Volume (V)

This simple relationship allows us to calculate density if we know the mass and volume of a sample. Different substances have different densities because their atoms or molecules are packed differently, and their individual masses differ.

Using Density for Identification

The process of identifying a substance using density involves these steps:

1. Measure the mass: Use a balance to precisely measure the mass of the unknown sample.
2. Measure the volume: Determine the volume of the sample using appropriate methods, such as water displacement for irregularly shaped objects or direct measurement for regularly shaped objects.
3. Calculate the density: Use the formula (ρ
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