Question

Define relative density of a solid. State its unit. How is it related to its density? Write mathematical expression for relative density. What conclusion do you draw if relative density of a substance is (a) greater than 1, (b) less than 1 and (c) equal to 1?

Answer 1

Relative density refers to the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water. 

Relative Density = \(\frac{Density\,of\,a\,substance}{density\,of\,water}\)

(a) greater than 1: If the relative density is greater than 1, that means that the density of a substance is greater than the density of water. 

(b) less than 1: If the relative density is less than 1, that means that the density of a substance is less than the density of water. 

(c) equal to 1: If the relative density is equal to 1, that means that the density of a substance is equal to the density of water.