An Astronomer's Discovery: Calculating the Density of a Meteorite
Calculating the Density of a Meteorite
An astronomer finds that a meteorite sample has a mass of 15.6 g along with an apparent mass of 9.2 g when submerged in water. To find the density of the meteorite, we can use the formula for density:
Density = Mass / Volume
Answer:
Density of meteorite = 2.44 g/cm³
Explanation:
Apparent mass = Mass of solid - Mass of water displaced
Mass of water displaced = Mass of solid - Apparent mass
= 15.6 - 9.2 = 6.4 g
Density of water = 1 g/cm³
Volume of water displaced = 1 x 6.4 = 6.4 cm³
Volume of meteorite = Volume of water displaced = 6.4 cm³
Density of meteorite = Mass of meteorite / Volume of meteorite
= 15.6 / 6.4 = 2.44 g/cm³
Density of meteorite = 2.44 g/cm³
What is the density of the meteorite sample found by the astronomer? The density of the meteorite sample found by the astronomer is 2.44 g/cm³.