What is the Difference Between Volume and Density?

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The main difference between volume and density lies in what they measure and how they are related. Here are the key differences:

  • Volume: Volume refers to the three-dimensional space occupied by an object or substance. It is measured in cubic meters (m³) and is an extensive property, meaning it changes according to external conditions.
  • Density: Density is a measure of the amount of matter present in an object or substance for a given volume. It explains the relationship between mass and volume, determining how densely molecules of a given object are packed into a given volume. Density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) and is an intensive property, meaning it does not change with external conditions.

In summary, volume measures the three-dimensional space an object occupies, while density measures the mass per unit volume of a substance. Density is derived from the relationship between mass and volume, and it helps determine the compactness of molecules in a given volume.

Comparative Table: Volume vs Density

The main differences between volume and density can be summarized in the following table:

Property Volume Density
Definition Volume measures the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object. It is the measurement of the physical space an object or substance takes up. Density refers to the mass contained in a substance for a given volume. It explains the relationship between mass and volume and determines how densely molecules of a given object are packed into a given volume.
Measurement Measured in cubic meters (m³) Measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)
Symbol Represented as V Represented as D
Size Volume is an extensive property, meaning it changes according to the external conditions. Density is an intensive property, meaning it does not change with the amount of material.
Relationship The volume of a shape is determined by three components – length, width, and height. The density of a three-dimensional object is composed of two components – mass and volume.
Additivity The volume of a combination of objects or substances can be determined by summing the individual volumes. Density is not additive; the density of a mixture is not the sum of the densities of its individual components.

In summary, volume is a measure of the three-dimensional space occupied by an object, while density is a measure of the mass contained in a substance for a given volume. Volume is an extensive property, whereas density is an intensive property. Volume can be determined by multiplying the length, width, and height of an object, while density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume.