How to Find the Density of a Regular Shape

Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Weigh the object of interest and record the weight in grams. Scientific investigation uses the metric system to record data. Use a triple beam balance to obtain the weight because it will report the weight to two decimal points. For example, assume you weigh an object that is 15.25 grams.
2

Determine the type of regular shape that describes the object. There exist equations that specify the formula to calculate mathematically the volume of objects like spheres, rectangular solids, cubes, cones, pyramids and tetrahedrons. Continuing the example, assume the object is a rectangular solid. The volume is calculated by the equation, V = L W H, where V represents volume, L represents length, W represents width and H represents height.
3

Measure the dimensions of the object required for the volume formula in centimeters. The volume is expressed in units of cm^3. Record the measurements in the same place as the weight of the object. To continue the example, use a meter stick to measure the dimensions of the rectangular solid. Enter the dimensions as length equals 12.4 cm, width equals 14.7 cm and height equals 5.3 cm, therefore, Volume = L W H = 12.4 14.7 5.3 = 966.08 cm^3.
4

Calculate the density of the object using the equation: density = weight/volume. Insert the measurements that you recorded into the formula and evaluate. To continue the example, Density = Weight/Volume = 15.25 g / 966.08 cm^3 = 0.016 g/cm^3.