Density is a characteristic physical property of matter. It describes how much "stuff" (mass) is packed into a specific amount of space (volume). In Science 8, understanding the relationship between these three variables is crucial for mastering physical science concepts.
The Magic Triangle: M sits on top, with D and V on the bottom.
D = M ÷ V | V = M ÷ D | M = D × V
How to Use This Worksheet Tool
To find Density: Divide the Mass by the Volume. (Example: A rock has a mass of 20g and a volume of 5cm³. Density = 20 / 5 = 4 g/cm³).
To find Mass: Multiply the Density by the Volume. (Example: A liquid has a density of 1.2 g/mL and a volume of 10mL. Mass = 1.2 * 10 = 12g).
To find Volume: Divide the Mass by the Density. (Example: An object has a mass of 50g and a density of 2 g/cm³. Volume = 50 / 2 = 25 cm³).
Common Densities Table
Substance
Density (g/cm³ or g/mL)
Will it Float in Water?
Pure Water
1.00
Neutral
Ice
0.92
Yes (Floats)
Gold
19.30
No (Sinks)
Aluminum
2.70
No (Sinks)
Oak Wood
0.60 – 0.90
Yes (Floats)
Units Matter!
In your Science 8 worksheet, always check your units. Mass is typically measured in grams (g), while volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cm³) for solids or milliliters (mL) for liquids. Remember: 1 cm³ = 1 mL.
function toggleInputs() {
var mode = document.getElementById("solvingMode").value;
var massRow = document.getElementById("mass-input-row");
var volumeRow = document.getElementById("volume-input-row");
var densityRow = document.getElementById("density-input-row");
var resultBox = document.getElementById("density-result-box");
resultBox.style.display = "none";
if (mode === "density") {
massRow.style.display = "block";
volumeRow.style.display = "block";
densityRow.style.display = "none";
} else if (mode === "mass") {
massRow.style.display = "none";
volumeRow.style.display = "block";
densityRow.style.display = "block";
} else if (mode === "volume") {
massRow.style.display = "block";
volumeRow.style.display = "none";
densityRow.style.display = "block";
}
}
function calculateDensityPhysics() {
var mode = document.getElementById("solvingMode").value;
var mass = parseFloat(document.getElementById("inputMass").value);
var volume = parseFloat(document.getElementById("inputVolume").value);
var density = parseFloat(document.getElementById("inputDensity").value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById("density-result-box");
var explanation = document.getElementById("calc-explanation");
var answerDisplay = document.getElementById("final-answer");
var result = 0;
var unit = "";
if (mode === "density") {
if (isNaN(mass) || isNaN(volume) || volume === 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for Mass and Volume.");
return;
}
result = mass / volume;
explanation.innerText = "Density = Mass / Volume (" + mass + " / " + volume + ")";
answerDisplay.innerText = result.toFixed(3) + " units³";
}
else if (mode === "mass") {
if (isNaN(density) || isNaN(volume)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for Density and Volume.");
return;
}
result = density * volume;
explanation.innerText = "Mass = Density × Volume (" + density + " × " + volume + ")";
answerDisplay.innerText = result.toFixed(3) + " g (or units)";
}
else if (mode === "volume") {
if (isNaN(mass) || isNaN(density) || density === 0) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for Mass and Density.");
return;
}
result = mass / density;
explanation.innerText = "Volume = Mass / Density (" + mass + " / " + density + ")";
answerDisplay.innerText = result.toFixed(3) + " cm³ (or units)";
}
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}