Final answer:
Density refers to the amount of mass within a given volume, represented as ρ = m/V. It's a key property of matter that influences whether an object will float or sink in a fluid, with the correct definition being option A) The amount of matter in a given volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
Density is defined as the amount of mass in a given volume. It is a physical property of matter and is usually expressed as mass per unit volume, often in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). Mathematically, density (ρ) is represented by the formula ρ = m/V, where ρ is the density, m is the mass, and V is the volume. This is an important characteristic of substances because it helps us understand behaviors such as whether an object will sink or float in a fluid.
For the options provided:
- A) The amount of matter in a given volume - This option accurately describes density.
- B) The weight of an object - This is not the correct definition of density.
- C) The speed of light in a vacuum - This has nothing to do with density.
- D) The distance between two points - This is also not related to density.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A) The amount of matter in a given volume.