Science - General Properties of Matter

In solving for the mass, density, or volume of objects, it is very helpful to know this triangle.

          where M = mass
                     D = density
                     V = volume

Here are the equations that you can use:

* Mass     = density x volume
                Units: grams (g), kilogram (kg)

* Density = mass / volume
                Units: grams per milliliter (g/ml)
                           kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)

* Volume = mass / density (for irregular solids, liquids, gas) 
   Volume = length x width x height
                 Units: cubic meter (m³), cubic centimeter (cm³), cubic millimeter (mm³)

Problem solving using the GRESA method

G - Given
R - Required
E - Equation
S - Solution
A - Answer

         Ex. Find the density of an object that weighs 250g and with a volume of 50 cm³. 

G - mass = 250g
      volume = 50 cm³

R - density

E - density = mass / volume

S - 250g/50 cm³  =  5g/cm³

A - The density of the object is 5g / cm³.



Here is another example:
                What is the volume of a wooden block with a length of 9 cm, a width of 3 cm, and height of 5 cm? 

G - length = 9 cm
      width = 3 cm
      height = 5 cm

R - volume

E -  volume = length x width x height

S - 9 cm x 3 cm x 5 cm = 135 cm³

A - The volume  of the block is  135 cm³.

Here is a worksheet to practice this skill:

Science 5 - General Properties of Matter (Practice)
Short quiz on solving for the mass, density, or volume of objects