Mass, Volume, and Density

Question

If the volume of an object is 5 cm³ and its mass is 55 g , what is its density?

A. 11 g / cmˆ3

B. 15 g / cm

C. 50 cmˆ3 / g

D. 275 g / cmˆ3

Please help me find this answer :)

Answer 1

Hello, Hanna,

Density if the mass per unit volume, in this case since the data is given in g and cm³, we should look for g/cm³. Since we have 55 g stuffed into 5cm³, the density would be 55g/5cm³. That works out to 11g/cm³.

Note that based on units alone, answers B and C do not have correct units for density. Answer D looks like they want to see if you multiplied the two numbers, but, again, the units wouldn't be g/cm³. They'd be g*cm³, which is an odd unit, if you about it. Depend on units to help in all scientific calculations. Know ahead what unit the final answer should be, and that will always help guide in making the calculations. If you expect g/cm³ but wind up with toys/shelf, then you know something is wrong. Keep the units in during the calculations - it's painful, but it helps prevents errors (many times for me).

Bob

Answer 2

Density by definition is Mass/Volume

For your problem statement

Mass = 55g

Volume = 5 cm^3

55/5 = 11 g/cm^3

A) 11 g/cm^3