Density of materials (ρ = m/V)

From particles to density — the three states

Follow one material through the three states and watch how density changes as particle spacing changes.

1. 1Solid — particles locked in a latticeParticles are arranged in a tight, regular lattice with minimal space between them. The same mass occupies the smallest possible volume, so applying ρ = m / V gives the highest density.+
2. 2Liquid — particles close but free to moveParticles are still close together but no longer in fixed positions. The volume increases slightly compared to the solid, so the same mass now fills a slightly larger space — density drops a little.+
3. 3Gas — particles far apart with vast gapsParticles have spread far apart with large empty spaces between them. The volume is roughly 1000 times greater than the solid — so applying ρ = m / V gives a density roughly 1000 times smaller.+
4. 4Apply ρ = m / V to confirm the patternBecause mass is the same in all three states but volume increases solid → liquid → gas, ρ = m / V confirms that density decreases across that sequence. The equation turns the particle picture into a number.+

Stop and predict

Commit to an answer before you reveal — this is where the understanding sticks.

A block of wax is melted. Its mass stays exactly the same. What happens to its density when it becomes liquid wax?

Tap any cell to reveal it. Tap a column header to read one property down every item.

Taken directly from the exam-board specification.