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