Density, a fundamental property of matter, is calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume. For example, if a block of wood has a mass of 10 grams and occupies a volume of 20 cubic centimeters, its density is 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter. Different substances have different characteristic densities, making it a useful parameter for identification and characterization.
Understanding and measuring density is crucial in numerous scientific and engineering disciplines. From determining the buoyancy of objects in fluids to characterizing the composition of materials, density plays a vital role. Historically, Archimedes’ principle, which relates buoyancy to density, marked a significant advancement in our comprehension of this property and its applications.