Lesson 2: Measuring Matter

Measuring Matter
Understanding Mass, Volume, and Density






Objective: Learn how to describe and measure matter using mass, volume, and density.

By Nnenna Crockett

What is Matter?

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
Everything around you—solids, liquids, and gases—is made of matter.

Multiple Choice

What two things must something have to be considered matter?

• Mass and energy

• Mass and volume

• Weight and shape

• Color and texture

​Mass

Mass is the amount of matter in an object.
Measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg).
Mass does NOT change with gravity.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is used to measure mass?

• Ruler

• Thermometer

• Triple Beam Balance

• Stopwatch

​Volume

Volume is the amount of space matter occupies.
Measured in milliliters (mL) for liquids and cubic centimeters (cm³) for solids.

Multiple Choice

What is the volume of a box that is 2 cm long, 3 cm wide, and 4 cm high?

Length X Width X Height= Volume

• 12 cm³

• 18 cm³

• 24 cm³

• 9 cm³

​Density

Density = Mass ÷ Volume
Tells how compact matter is in a space.
Measured in g/cm³ or g/mL

Example: A person that is 5'9 and weighs 100 kg is less dense than a person who is 5'3 and weighs 100 kg.

Multiple Choice

What is the density of an object with a mass of 30 g and volume of 5 cm³?

Density = mass/volume

• 5 g/cm³

• 6 g/cm³

• 25 g/cm³

• 35 g/cm³

​Gravity and Measurements

Mass, volume, and density do not change with gravity.
Weight, however, changes depending on the force of gravity.

Multiple Choice

Which measurement changes depending on gravity?

• Mass

• Volume

• Weight

• Density

​Floating and Sinking

Objects float if their density is less than water (1 g/cm³).
Objects sink if their density is more than 1 g/cm³.

Multiple Choice

Which object will float in water?

• Density = 0.8 g/cm³

• Density = 1.2 g/cm³

• Density = 3 g/cm³

• D. Density = 2 g/cm³

​Let’s Practice with a Chart
Mass = Density x Volume

Object	Density (g/cm³)	Volume (cm³)	Mass (g)
A	12	3	?
B	9	3	?
C	3	3	?
D	6	3	?

Multiple Choice

Which object has a mass of 27 g?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Multiple Choice

Which of the objects will float in water?

• A

• C

• All will float

• None will float

Multiple Choice

Mass in a given volume ( mass/volume)

• Volume

• Mass

• Density

• Weight

Multiple Choice

Measured in Grams

• Mass

• Weight

• Volume

• Height

Multiple Choice

Measured in g/cm³

• Marbles

• Weight

• Mass

• Density

​Air and Density

Air density is affected by:

• Temperature (warmer air = less dense) *Think spread out molecules in a gas

• Humidity (more water vapor = less dense)

• Pressure (more pressure = more dense) *Think same amount of molecules with less space.

Open Ended

What affects the density of air?