Question

Define the term relative density.

Answer 1

Hint: We generally distinguish objects by its weight. The heavier the object is, the denser it is. Density and mass have a direct relation between them. Likewise, for a particular given quantity the lower the volume of an object, the higher is the density. Density and Volume has an inverse relation between them. Density can also be understood by how compact an object is, for example if we have shortage of space so we pack our clothes tightly to accommodate more number of clothes into our suitcase and when we have less clothes to fit in the same space we fit the clothes loosely in our suitcase. The more clothes we pack in the suitcase the denser the suitcase will become. Similarly the fewer clothes we pack in our suitcase the less dense the suitcase becomes. In a given amount of space if there are more things of the same weight then we would say that it is denser. Comparison of density of an object with another object’s density (usually compared with density of water) is known as relative density.


Formula Used: The formula for density is:-
 $D =\dfrac{M}{V}$
Where:
D= Density
M= Mass
V= Volume
The Formula for Relative density is
\[{\text{The relative density of a substance }} = {\text{ }}\dfrac{{The{\text{ density of substance}}}}{{The{\text{ density of water}}}}\]

Complete step by step answer:
Density is a measureable unit; it is defined as the mass of a substance upon the volume of the object. Let’s define the term relative. The term ‘relative’ is defined as in proportion to something else, here “proportion to something else” means in comparison to other value or an object. For example: we weigh up the relative advantages of going by car instead of going by a bike. Similarly, Relative density is defined as density which is compared or relative to other densities. Generally, the relative density is the density of an object relative to the density of water which has a value of 1g/cc; where g= gram; cc= cubic centimeter. There is one other coined term known as specific gravity. Specific gravity is another word for relative density. Specific gravity is a ratio. For example: The density of olive oil is 0.97 kg/l, so the specific gravity of olive oil would be$(\dfrac{{0.97}}{1}) = 0.97$, here the value”1” in the denominator is the density of water. Since relative density or specific gravity is a ratio there is no unit and hence it is a dimensionless quantity, as far as density is considered its unit is$M{L^{ - 3}}(Kg{m^{ - 3}})$. In other words relative density is also known as specific gravity. The relative density of an object can tell us about whether the object can float on water or sink. If the relative density or specific gravity is less than one then the object will float on water and if the relative density or specific gravity is greater than one then the object will sink. In the example of olive oil the relative density is 0.97 which is less than 1, so olive oil will float on water, similarly the relative density of honey is 1.45 which is greater than 1, so honey will sink in water.

Final Answer:
The relative density is defined as the density relative to another density. Generally the relative density is the density relative to the density of water which is 1g/cc.

Note: Make sure to define the term “density” and give appropriate examples and then define the term relative density and give examples, also mention the use of relative density in everyday life. Make sure to provide ample examples.