Question

If 1000. mL of linseed oil has a mass of 929 g, calculate the density of linseed oil.

Short answer

The density of linseed oil can be calculated using the formula: Density = mass / volume. Given that the mass is 929 g and the volume is 1000 mL, the calculation would be: Density = 929 g / 1000 mL = 0.929 g/mL. Thus, the density of linseed oil is \(0.929 \, g/mL\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the given values

The mass of linseed oil is given as 929 g, and the volume is given as 1000 mL.

Use the density formula

To calculate the density, we will use the formula: Density = mass / volume Substitute the given values into the formula: Density = 929 g / 1000 mL

Calculate the density

Now, we can divide the mass by the volume: Density = 0.929 g/mL Hence, the density of linseed oil is 0.929 g/mL.

Key concepts

Mass and Volume

Understanding the concepts of 'mass' and 'volume' is crucial when calculating density. Mass is a measure of how much 'stuff' or matter is in an object and is usually measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg). Volume, on the other hand, is the amount of space an object occupies and is typically measured in liters (L), milliliters (mL), or cubic centimeters (cm³). These two are fundamental aspects in physics and chemistry and are often used to identify substances through their density.

To measure mass, we use scales, and for volume, we could use measuring cylinders or calculated geometrically for regular objects. Liquid volumes are particularly easy to measure with laboratory equipment like graduated cylinders or beakers. In our example, the mass of linseed oil was measured to be 929 grams, and its volume was 1000 milliliters, which are quite compatible units making the subsequent calculations straightforward.

Density Formula

Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance or object. It is calculated using the density formula:
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}} \]
It essentially tells us the concentration of matter within an object. For instance, an object with a lot of mass packed into a small volume would have a high density. The formula helps us compare different materials or the same material under different conditions. When using the formula, it's important to be consistent with units and ensure that they can cancel out appropriately.

In our exercise, by plugging the measured mass and volume of linseed oil into the formula, we arrive at its density. The calculation becomes a simple division problem with given intriguing insights into the physical properties of the oil.

Units of Measurement

Units of measurement are standardized quantities which help us quantify physical properties like mass, volume, and, consequently, density. They ensure that values are understood universally. For mass, common units are grams (g) and kilograms (kg). For volume, milliliters (mL), liters (L), and cubic centimeters (cm³) are common in science. These units are part of the International System of Units (SI), which is used globally to maintain uniformity in measurements.

When calculating density, it's imperative that the units are compatible; otherwise, conversion might be necessary. In our density calculation for linseed oil, grams per milliliter (g/mL) is the resulting unit of density, indicating the mass of linseed oil per unit volume. Different substances have different densities, and the units of measurement allow for these densities to be accurately compared and applied in practical situations, like determining if an object will float in water or sink.