Calculate Density, Mass and Volume

You will need a calculator for this activity!

Like speed, density is another example of a compound measure, which is one that involves more than one unit of measurement. 

Density is a measure of mass (e.g. grams, kg) in relation to volume (e.g. cm³ , m³) and can be measured in g/cm³ or kg/m³ etc......           

You should know the following formulae and may use the triangle to help you remember the three density, mass and volume formulae.

We will be given two of the three compound measures, so it is only a matter of substituting the values given into the correct formula!

Let's look at a couple of typical questions!

Example 1

Work out the density of a piece of wood that has a mass of 24 g and a volume of 12 cm³

Answer

First, we find the correct formula.

We want density = mass ÷ volume

Substitute the values in:

Density = 24 ÷ 12

Density = 2 g/cm³

Let's try another one!

Example 2

Work out the mass of a block which has a volume of 34 cm³  and a density of 4.3 g/cm³

Answer

First, we find the correct formula.

We want mass = density x volume

Substitute the values in:

Mass = 4.3 x 34

Mass = 146.2 g

Let's have a go at some questions now.

If you need to remind yourself of the formulae or have another look at the triangle, just click on the red button and you will be able to see this introduction again.