What is the difference between mass and density?
Quick Answer
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter that an object contains, while density is a measure of how much mass an object contains per a unit volume. Mass is measured in kilograms, while density is typically measured in kilograms per cubed meter. Both are widely used in scientific formulas that are crucial for engineers, scientists and other professionals.
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Full Answer
Density is the more practical unit to use when trying to compare two objects or materials. Comparing mass of two objects is typically pointless as they will be different sizes. For example, a small rock may weight less than a full-sized basketball, but if a person had a similarly sized basketball (with the same volume as the rock), the rock would weigh much more; regardless of the size of the rock and basketball, the rock will have a much higher density, even if masses differ.
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Q:
How do you find mass?
A: Mass is equal to density times volume, or m = Dv, since density is equal to mass divided by volume, or D = m/v. Mass is denoted by the symbol "m," and its ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the scientific definition of mass?
A: Mass is the measure of the amount of matter an object contains, and it represents the number of atoms in an object. The basic unit of mass is the kilogram.... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the relationship between mass and weight?
A: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter contained by an object, while weight is a measure of the gravitational pull on an object. As the gravitational fo... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How much does mercury weigh?
A: Mercury, the element, has a density of approximately 13.5 to 13.6 kg/m^3, and its overall mass depends on the volume collected. The planet Mercury has a ma... Full Answer >Filed Under:
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