Final answer:
Density is the mass per unit volume of an object, crucial for determining buoyancy in fluids. The correct answer is B) The mass of an object in a given amount of space (volume).
Step-by-step explanation:
Density is defined as the mass of an object divided by its volume. This property of matter is crucial, for instance, in determining whether an object will sink or float in a fluid. The correct answer to the student's question is B) The mass of an object in a given amount of space (volume).
In equation form, density (ρ) is calculated using the formula:
ρ = m / V
where ρ represents density, m is mass, and V is volume, typically measured in units such as grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per liter (kg/L). Understanding density helps us to compare how heavy or light a substance is relative to its size.