Final answer:
The main importance of density as a physical property is that it determines whether an object sinks or floats in a fluid, helps identify substances, and remains constant for a given substance regardless of the sample size.
Explanation :
Density is a fundamental physical property that helps determine whether an object will sink or float when placed in a fluid. It is defined as the mass of a substance divided by its volume, commonly represented by the formula density (ρ) = mass (m) ÷ volume (V). This intensive property is characteristic of each substance and it doesn't change regardless of the amount of material.
Understanding density is essential for identifying substances because each has a characteristic density that can serve as a clue to its identity. It is particularly useful in applications such as calculating the buoyancy of objects, designing ships and submarines, and even in culinary endeavors such as determining the consistency of a mixture.