The density is the matter depends upon the number of atoms or molecules occupying the unit volume of the mass. In this article, we shall discuss how is density a physical property.
The density is a physical property of the object and is defined as the ratio of a mass of the matter constituting the unit volume of the object and is given by the relation:-
ϱ =m/v
Where ϱ denotes the density of the matter
m is the mass and
v is a volume of the matter
How is Density a Physical Property?
The smaller the volume and greater the mass of the object, the density of the object will be more.
The density of the object depends upon the mass and the volumes, which are the physical properties of the object; consequently, the density is a physical property.
The density of the object signifies the impenetrability of the molecules, such a tightly compact mass. The void spaces between the molecules keep some gaps between the molecules. If the object is suspended to the heat, the bonds between the molecules take this energy. When the energy acquired by the molecules is high enough, the bonds between the molecules break, and the distance between the separation of the two molecules increases. And hence the solid turns to liquid and liquid turns to gaseous form.
The density of the solid is more as compared to the liquid and the density of the liquid is more than that of gas. Likewise, the volume acquired by the same number of molecules in solid is less compared to the liquid and the molecules of a gas are suspended to a greater distance than that of the liquid.
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Is Density Change a Physical Property?
The density of the object changes if the mass or volume of the object varies due to some external effects.
The variation due to the density is obviously the inevitable of the change in the volume or mass of the object; hence density change is also a physical property that is a cause for the physical change.
If you consider a simple example of the air conditioners there is basically the change in the phase from gaseous to liquid and then liquid state to back into the gaseous form. The compressor is used to compress the gas to form a liquid which then passes through a coil and gets cool and released out.
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How is Density Change a Physical Property?
The rise in temperature breaks the molecular bonds between the atoms resulting in increasing the space and hence the volume of the matter.
As the volume of the object increases, the matter occupying per unit volume of the object will decrease, thus the density of the object will decrease, which is a physical change.
The density of the object will increase if the object is compressed. Upon compression, the vacant spaces between the object will be filled. This will reduce the gap between the molecules comprising the matter, and thus the mass per unit volume of the matter will be more and therefore the density of the object will increase on compressing. In short, we can say that the rise in pressure on the object will ascend the density of the object.
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If the pressure on the object is lowered, then the molecules will spread in the surrounding region, which will result in a decrease in density. In this case, the change in the volume of the object will result in a variation in the density.
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What is a density change of gas with increasing temperature if the volume changes from V1 to V2?
The initial volume of the object is V1 and the final volume of the object is V2.
The density of the object is the ratio of m/v, hence the change in density is
The mass of the object remains the same while only the volume of the object extends from V1 to V2.
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What is a density change of a container if some molecules of a gas escape from the container?
The molecules of a gas escape from the container; hence there is a decrease in the mass of the container.
While the volume of the container remains the same and gas molecules can easily spread all around the container. Therefore the change in the density is due to the decrease in the mass of the gas in a container, given by,
Where Δ m=m2-m1
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Frequently Asked Questions
A gas of volume 0.3m3 is compressed at a pressure of 1.2atm. The gas is converted into the liquid upon compression giving a final volume of 0.08m3. What is a density change of a matter having a mass of 25 grams?
Given: m=25 grams=0.025kg
V1=0.3m3
V2=0.08m3
We have,
The change in the density of the matter is 0.23 kg/m3.
Four ice cubes of dimensions 3cm ×4cm ×5cm and mass 55.2 grams each are kept in a cylindrical tray of diameter 8 cm and height 10cm. The ice cubes are completely melted to form water and the cylinder is filled to the height of 4cm. What is the density change of ice to water?
The volume of the ice cube is
V=l x b x h
=3 x 4 x 5
=60cm3
Hence, the volume of 4 ice cubes is
V=4 x 60=240 cm3
Density of ice is
= 4 x 55.2/240
=0.92 g/cm3
Volume of water in the cylindrical container is
Vc=πr2h
=3.14 x (4)2 x 4
=200.96 cm3
We know that the density of water is 1 g/cm3, hence the mass of the water is
M=ϱwater V
M=1 x 200.96=200.96 grams
The change in the density is
Δϱ =ϱwater-ϱ ice
=1-0.92=0.08 g/cm3
Why does the density of ice is lighter being in a solid state as compared to the water?
The solid is usually denser than the liquid, but so is not true in the case of water and ice.
The bonds formed between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms are in a tetrahydrate structure. The orientation of bonds between the molecules in ice makes a void thus decreasing the density of the water in the solid form.
How does the temperature affect the density of the object?
The temperature may increase or decrease the density of the object.
The rise in temperature provides the heat energy to the mass that essentially breaks the bonds between the molecules and the phase change occurs, reducing the density of the object. While lowering the temperature increases the density of the object.
How does the pressure affect the density of the object?
The rise in pressure increases the density of the object.
On imposing the pressure on the object, the molecules in the object exert a force that basically brings them closer to each other forming a compact structure; this increases the number of molecules per unit volume of the object.
Also Read:
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- Physical change properties
- Difference between simple and physical pendulum
- How physical changes can be reversed
- Is magnetism a physical property
- Is melting point a physical property
- Is malleability a physical property
- Is boiling point a physical property
- Is color a physical property
- How can a physical change occur
Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.