Density
Density is the amount of mass in a certain unit volume of a substance. In a substance that is more dense, the particles are more “crowded” together.
Solids – The particles in a solid are tightly packed together, therefore solids are the most dense state of matter.
Liquids – The particles of a liquid are more spread out than solids but less than gas. Therefore, liquids are less dense than solids but more dense than gas.
Gas – Gas particles are the most loosely packed together so gases are the least dense state of matter.
In most pure substances, the solid state of a substance is more dense than it’s liquid state. The solid and liquid states are then in turn more dense than the substances gas state. Water is the exception.
Explained:
Ice floats on water, therefore it must be less dense than water. However, one substances solid state may be less dense than another substances liquid state. Also, the liquid state of one substance can be more dense than the liquid state of a different substance as can a solid compared to another solid.
Measuring Density Good
Density takes into account mass and volume.
Mass – The amount of matter in a substance
Volume – The amount of space occupied by a substance
Density = Mass / Volume (D = M / V)
Density of a substance stays the same as long as the temperature and pressure stay the same