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Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a give unit volume (density=mass/volume). It is usually expressed in kg/m^3. Put simply, if mass is a measure of how much 'stuff' there is in an object, density is a measure of how tightly that 'stuff' is packed together.

One of the ways we can see density illustrated in everyday life is by looking at whether things float or sink in a liquid (water, for example). If an object is less dense than the liquid it is placed in, it will float. If it is more dense, it will sink. This is why an anchor, which is very dense (lots of mass in a relatively small volume) sinks very quickly, while an inner tube (not much mass in a relatively large volume) floats and is very difficult to push underwater.

Some elements are naturally found in very dense forms,and one of the most surprising cases of a less dense object floating on a denser liquid occurs when objects are put in a container of liquid mercury (Hg). This element is a metal that is liquid at room temperature, and it is VERY dense. In fact, it is denser than lead, and metal objects like forks, coins, or even a cannonball will float on top of it!

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Do plates become more dense or less dense when they become cooler?

Cooler material is more dense and hotter material is less. This means that plates become more dense as they cool.


Liquid magma flow upward through the crust because it is less dence than the solid material around it?

Yes, that is correct. Magma is less dense than the solid rock around it, causing it to rise towards the surface through cracks and fractures in the Earth's crust. This movement occurs due to the buoyancy of the less dense magma compared to the denser surrounding rock.


Why is water located above the earths crust but below the air?

Because it is less dense than the material that makes up the earth's crust, but more dense than the material that makes up the air.


The cooler more dense material sinks down toward earth's core?

This process is known as convection, where cooler, denser material sinks while warmer, less dense material rises. This movement of material within the Earth's mantle helps drive the motion of tectonic plates.


Why is the specific heat of a dense material lower than a less dense material?

The specific heat of a material is influenced by its atomic or molecular structure and how tightly packed its particles are. In denser materials, particles are more closely packed, which allows them to transfer energy more efficiently but requires less energy input to raise their temperature compared to less dense materials, where particles are more spread out and have more degrees of freedom. Consequently, denser materials tend to have lower specific heats.

Related Questions

Do plates become more dense or less dense when they become cooler?

Cooler material is more dense and hotter material is less. This means that plates become more dense as they cool.


When light passes from less dense material to more dense material the light?

bends towards the normal.


How dense is the continental crust?

less dense than the material of the Earth's mantle


Do convection currents form in the mantle when heated materials become more dense?

Actually, heated materials are less dense. When heat is applied to a substance such as liquid, it becomes less dense. It is this less dense and heated material that rises because it weighs less. The part of the mantle that is more dense would be any substance that is cooling and is sinking down.


Why does a less dense material float in a more dense material?

density is mass per unit volume so the less mass per cubic(what ever measure) the less buoyant.


Is it true molten material in the asthenosphere rises in convection currents because heated materials become more dense?

Actually, hot, less dense material rises, and cold, denser material sinks. Denser material will be heavier (per unit volume) and gravity therefore pulls it down. Less dense material has buoyancy and rises. It's very logical.


What is the hot less dense material below earth?

Magma?


What happens to substances that are less dense than the surrounding material?

There are a number of things that may happen to substances that are less dense than the surrounding material. In most cases, this is what will cause them to float on the surrounding material.


What can you infer about the density of a material if a sample of it floats in water?

it is less dense.


What is less dense mean in science?

In science, "less dense" means that a substance has a lower mass per unit of volume compared to another substance. This is commonly observed when an object or material floats in a more dense substance, such as when ice (less dense) floats on water (more dense).


Heat transfer in fluids due to less dense material rising?

Convection.


What is the name given to the process whereby a material is made less dense?

Rarefaction