If 2 differently shaped objects were both made of copper would the density of the 2 objects be different?

Answer 1

A question phrased in this manner demonstrates either no prior knowledge or a misunderstanding of math and physics. A very basic physics question that many students ask is "Does size (or shape or volume) and/or weight (often mistaken for mass) determine how fast an object (i.e. a living or non-living thing) falls (e.g. when dropped upon a surface, such as the ground, within the Earth's atmosphere)?" In a famous experiment first demonstrated by Galileo Galilei, in which two balls of different size and weight were dropped from the Tower of Pisa, He showed that gravitation accelerates all objects at the same rate. Thus, if two objects of equivalent densities were dropped (near the Earth's surface) from a measurable height above a level surface, they would quickly hit at exactly the same instant in time (provided you are observing from the ground, level with the point of contact). Therefore, in order to answer your question directly, you must know the definition of 'density.' In the study of physics, density is defined as mass over volume. Symbolically, this equation looks like this: p = m/V, where the p in this equation is actually the Greek letter rho (pronounced 'ro'). Finally, you must also have an understanding of calculus and chemistry (formerly known as alchemy) to completely answer your question rephrased here: "http://wiki.answers.com/Q/If_2_differently_shaped_objects_were_both_made_of_copper_would_the_density_of_the_2_objects_be_different" The simple answer is if both objects have no enclosed spaces, bubbles, etc., then the densities would be the same. Thus, the direct answer to your original question is definitely NO! The answer is Yes and No. But let's put some qualifications on it-- If the copper itself is the same density and both objects are "open" that is no enclosed spaces, bubbles, etc., then the densities would be the same. In practice, copper has different purities and different processing, thus different densities. But your teacher probably doesn't want that answer.

Answer 2

Yes... density is weight per unit volume.

So a two foot long pice of copper has the same density, but twice the weight, of a one foot long piece.

Answer 3

No, because the formula for density is mass/volume. Therefore the density would stay the same no matter the size of the piece of copper.