How to calculate the density of an irregularly shaped object?

To calculate the density of an irregularly shaped object, you use the formula density = mass/volume and measure the volume by water displacement.

To begin with, you need to know the mass of the object. This can be determined using a balance or scale. The unit of mass is usually grams (g) or kilograms (kg).

Next, you need to find the volume of the object. This can be tricky for irregularly shaped objects, but a method called water displacement can be used. This involves filling a graduated cylinder or similar container with a known volume of water, then carefully submerging the object in the water. The water level will rise - this rise in water level corresponds to the volume of the object. For example, if you start with 100ml of water and after submerging the object the water level is at 150ml, the volume of the object is 50ml (or 50cm³, as 1ml equals 1cm³).

Now that you have both the mass and the volume, you can calculate the density using the formula density = mass/volume. If the mass of your object is 150g and the volume is 50cm³, the density would be 150g/50cm³ = 3g/cm³.

Remember, the units of density depend on the units used for mass and volume. In this case, we used grams for mass and cm³ for volume, so the density is in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³). Other common units of density are kg/m³ or g/ml.

It's important to note that this method assumes the object does not absorb water and is completely submerged. If the object floats or part of it remains above the water, the volume measurement will not be accurate.