Density at the Particle Level

Teacher ModeStudent

Mission: measure an unknown sample

Weigh the sample, immerse it in the graduated cylinder, and connect its density to its particle packing.

Self-guided investigation

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Experiment preset

Run the apparatus

Simulation speed1.00×

Sample and liquid

Material

Sample volume50 cm³

Liquid density1.00 g/cm³

Particle packing72%

Live measurements

Mass135.0 g

Volume50 cm³

Density2.70 g/cm³

Water displacement0 cm³

Buoyant force0.49 N

OutcomeSinks

The sample is denser than the liquid, so its weight exceeds the maximum buoyant force.

Camera

Zoom1.00×

Mass, volume and density history

MassVolumeDensity

Interactive lecture

Language

Voice source

Installed voice

Ready. Lecture will not start automatically.

1. The density laboratory

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What to watch: The balance, cylinder, and scanner illuminate in sequence.

Chapters

Learning objectives

Calculate density from measured mass and volume.
Connect particle mass and packing to bulk density.
Measure irregular volume using liquid displacement.
Predict floating or sinking from relative density.
Distinguish density from mass, weight, and size.

Key concepts

Density describes how much mass occupies a unit volume. Two same-sized objects can have different density because their particles differ in mass, packing, or both. A submerged object displaces its own volume of liquid.

An object floats when it can displace enough liquid for buoyant force to balance its weight before becoming completely submerged. It sinks when its density exceeds the liquid density.

Suggested experiments

Compare equal-volume cork and gold samples.
Keep material fixed and double volume; observe mass change while density stays constant.
Adjust liquid density until the sample becomes suspended.
Use Teacher Mode to vary particle mass and packing independently.
Magnify particles before and after changing packing.

Applications and misconceptions

Applications: material identification, ship design, mineral testing, quality control, and fluid separation.

Misconception: a heavier object is not always denser. Density compares mass with volume.

Density concept check

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