1. Determine the object's mass:
- Use a scale to measure the object's mass in grams (g).
2. Determine the object's volume:
- Select an appropriate method for determining volume based on the object's shape:
- Regular solids: Use geometric formulas to calculate volume
(e.g., for a cube, volume = side length^3).
- Irregular solids: Use the water displacement method:
a. Fill a graduated cylinder with a known volume of water.
b. Carefully add the object to the water, ensuring it is completely submerged and no air bubbles are trapped.
c. Note the new water level in the graduated cylinder.
d. The volume of the object is the difference between the initial and final water levels.
3. Calculate the relative density:
- Divide the mass of the object (in grams) by its volume (in cubic centimeters). The result is the relative density of the object.
Relative Density = Mass of the object (g) / Volume of the object (cm^3)
4. Compare to water's density:
- Water has a density of 1 gram per cubic centimeter (1 g/cm³).
- If the object's relative density is greater than 1, it is denser than water and will sink.
- If the object's relative density is less than 1, it is less dense than water and will float.
Relative density is a dimensionless quantity and serves as a useful property for characterizing and comparing the density of an object relative to water.
