Final answer:
Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance and represented by the formula ρ = m/V. It is used to measure the compactness within a given volume, essential in Chemistry for categorizing materials and conducting experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Density is a fundamental concept in Chemistry that refers to the mass of a substance within a given volume. It is articulated by the formula ρ = m/V, where ρ (rho) signifies density, m is mass, and V is volume. When measuring mass in the laboratory, a balance is used, calibrated with a standard mass to ensure precise readings.
For example, if we take a sample of iron with a mass of 23.4 grams and a volume of 3.00 cm³, we can compute the density of the iron sample. To find the density, divide the mass by the volume, yielding 23.4 grams / 3.00 cm³, which equals 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). This measurement helps determine how compact the substance is.