What Is Density?

Density describes how much space an object or substance takes up. Density
represents how thick or closely packed together an object of substance is.
Density can vary depending on temperature and pressure. 

Density is the mass of an object or substance divided by its volume. 

 Mass
Mass is the amount of matter taken up
by an object. 

Although mass is often referred to as

weight and weighed in kilograms, they
are not the same thing. An object’s
weight will vary according to gravity;
its mass will not change. 
 Volume
Volume describes the amount of space taken up by an object or substance.  
 Liquid Density
Liquids are made up of tiny particles.
The density of a liquid depends on how
tightly packed together these particles
are. 
Different liquids have different liquid
densities. 

Water has a density of 997 kg/m³.

Some liquids have a higher density

than water. These liquids will sink
below the water, leaving the water to
float above. 

Other liquids have a lower density than

water. These liquids will float above
the water. 
 Predictions
A prediction is a statement about what you think will happen.

Make a prediction about the density of each of these liquids:

•Vegetable oil
•Honey
•Milk
•Water (with a drop of food colouring) 
•Washing-up liquid  
•Golden syrup 

Which liquid has the highest density? 

Which liquid has the lowest density? 
Order the liquids in what you consider to be highest density to lowest density.
 What Next?
Now that you have made a prediction, complete the
experiment. 

Use the Discovering Density Experiment

Instructions to guide you through the process.

Check to see if your predictions were correct and log

your results.