Mass Calculator
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Mass
Volume
Common Densities
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Understanding Mass, Density & Volume
The Relationship
Mass, density, and volume are interconnected physical properties. Knowing any two of these values allows you to calculate the third. This relationship is fundamental to physics, chemistry, and engineering.
Core Formulas
Mass vs Weight
Mass
- Amount of matter in an object
- Constant everywhere in universe
- Measured in kg, g, lb (mass)
- Does not change with gravity
Weight
- Force of gravity on mass
- Varies with gravitational field
- Measured in N, lb (force)
- W = m x g (g = 9.81 m/s2)
Material Densities
| Material | g/cm3 | kg/m3 | lb/ft3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (STP) | 0.0012 | 1.2 | 0.075 |
| Wood (Oak) | 0.75 | 750 | 47 |
| Water | 1.0 | 1000 | 62.4 |
| Concrete | 2.4 | 2400 | 150 |
| Copper | 8.96 | 8960 | 559 |
| Lead | 11.34 | 11340 | 708 |
Practical Applications
Engineering
- Structural load calculations
- Material selection
- Shipping weight estimates
- Vehicle payload limits
Science
- Chemical reactions
- Buoyancy calculations
- Fluid dynamics
- Material identification
Buoyancy
Objects float when their density is less than the fluid they are in. A steel ship floats because the average density (steel + air inside) is less than water. Understanding this relationship is crucial in naval architecture and fluid mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate mass from density and volume?
Use the formula: Mass = Density x Volume. For example, if you have 500 cm³ of aluminum (density 2.7 g/cm³), the mass is 500 x 2.7 = 1,350 grams (1.35 kg).
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter in an object and stays constant everywhere. Weight is the gravitational force on that mass and changes with gravity. On the Moon (1/6 Earth gravity), you'd weigh less but have the same mass.
Why does density matter?
Density determines if objects float or sink (less dense than water = floats), helps identify materials, and is essential for calculating shipping weights, structural loads, and material quantities for projects.
What are common density units?
Common units include g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter), kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter), and lb/ft³ (pounds per cubic foot). Water has a density of 1 g/cm³ = 1,000 kg/m³ = 62.4 lb/ft³.