G/cm³

Definition

g/cm³ is a unit of density, which is a measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume. It is commonly used to express the density of solids, liquids, and gases, and is an important concept in the study of physics, particularly in the topic of 11.2 Density.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formula for calculating density is $\rho = m/V$, where $\rho$ is the density, $m$ is the mass, and $V$ is the volume.
2. Substances with higher densities, such as lead (11.34 g/cm³), will sink in water (1.00 g/cm³), while substances with lower densities, such as wood (0.5 g/cm³), will float.
3. Density is an important property in many applications, such as determining the buoyancy of objects in fluids, the stability of structures, and the design of vehicles.
4. The density of a substance can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the composition of the material.
5. Accurate measurement of density is crucial in many scientific and engineering fields, such as materials science, geology, and environmental engineering.

Review Questions

• Explain how the formula for calculating density, $\rho = m/V$, relates to the unit g/cm³.
  • The formula for density, $\rho = m/V$, shows that density is the ratio of the mass (m) of a substance to its volume (V). The unit g/cm³ directly reflects this relationship, where the mass is measured in grams (g) and the volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cm³). This allows for the direct calculation of the density of a substance, which is an important property in many areas of physics and engineering.
• Describe how the density of a substance, expressed in g/cm³, can be used to determine its behavior in fluids.
  • The density of a substance, expressed in g/cm³, can be used to predict its behavior when immersed in a fluid, such as water or air. If the density of an object is greater than the density of the fluid it is placed in, the object will sink (e.g., a rock in water). Conversely, if the density of an object is less than the density of the fluid, the object will float (e.g., a piece of wood in water). This principle of buoyancy is crucial in the design of ships, submarines, and other floating structures, as well as in understanding the behavior of objects in various fluids.
• Analyze how the density of a material, expressed in g/cm³, can affect its suitability for different applications and the design of structures or devices.
  • The density of a material, expressed in g/cm³, is a critical factor in determining its suitability for various applications and the design of structures or devices. For example, in the construction of buildings and bridges, materials with higher densities, such as steel (7.85 g/cm³), are often used to provide the necessary strength and support, while materials with lower densities, such as wood (0.5 g/cm³), may be used for their lighter weight and insulation properties. Similarly, in the design of vehicles, the density of the materials used can affect the overall weight and fuel efficiency. Understanding the density of materials in g/cm³ is essential for engineers and designers to optimize the performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of their products.

Related terms

Density: Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, typically expressed in units of g/cm³, kg/m³, or lb/ft³.

Mass: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, and is typically expressed in units of grams (g) or kilograms (kg).

Volume: Volume is a measure of the three-dimensional space occupied by an object, and is typically expressed in units of cubic centimeters (cm³) or cubic meters (m³).