How to Calculate the Density of Iron

Understanding Density and Its Calculation

Density is a physical property that relates an object's mass to its volume. It is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume. In the case of determining the density of iron, we need to know the mass of the iron and how it affects the volume of water.

Steps to Calculate Density of Iron

1. Weigh the iron to determine its mass. In this example, the mass of iron is given as 6.3 g.
2. Measure the volume of water before and after adding the iron. The change in volume of water when iron is added gives us the volume of iron. In this case, the initial volume of water is 22.00 mL, and the final volume after adding iron is 22.80 mL with a change of 0.80 mL due to iron.
3. Calculate the density by dividing the mass of iron by the volume of water displaced by the iron. In the given example, this gives a density of 7.9 g/mL.

The Importance of Density in Material Properties

Density is a crucial property in determining the characteristics and behavior of materials. It helps in identifying and classifying substances, as well as predicting how they will interact in various situations. The calculation of density provides valuable information for scientists, engineers, and researchers in their work.