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Yes, it is possible. To identify an object using its density you need only a few things: an accurate scale to find the mass of the object; a graduated cylinder large enough to accommodate whatever object you have; the object itself; and a liquid. Any liquid can be used for this, however, if the object floats then the calculation becomes slightly more complicated. I use water. First weigh the object, then immerse it in the liquid. Note how much water is displaced. Divide the mass of the object by the volume of the liquid and you'll find the density. Then compare that density to the list of known densities to identify the object. Pretty simple! physical and chemical properties can be uesed to identify substance.

I used:

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5187289_density-used-identify-substances.html

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Not sure you can actually identify the substance from its density alone: you would have to know its state too. For example, water in gaseous form would be an entirely different density to water in solid form wouldn't it? So no, you cannot identify a substance from its density, without other information.

The best way to identify a substance is often through spectroscopy, in which the radiation either absorbed or given off from a chemical can determine which substances are present. This is what happens for the sun.

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14y ago
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6mo ago

Yes, density is a useful physical property that can help identify a substance because each substance has a unique density. By comparing the density of an unknown substance to known values, you can determine its identity.

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15y ago

It helps but you usually can't id based on that alone, many different substances have the same density.

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14y ago

yes

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Q: Is density a good way to identify a substance?
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Related questions

Why is density a good way to identify materials?

It's hard


Why is density of a substance important?

Density is important because it helps determine the behavior of substances in different conditions. It can be used to identify substances and in quality control processes. Additionally, density plays a role in various scientific calculations and engineering applications.


How do you identify white sugar?

The most obvious answer, tasting it, is unfortunately off the table. There are many substances that look similar to sugar that would be very harmful if ingested.So how else can you identify a substance? Finding its density would be a good start. Measure a certain amount in a measuring cup, then find the mass of the mystery substance (Be sure to subtract out the mass of the measuring cup!).Divide the mass by the volume to get the density. For sugar, the density should be about 1.29 g/cm3Another way is to find the melting point of the mystery substance and compare it to the melting point of sugar. Slowly heat the substance until it begins to melt. (Putting it in a plastic bag and submerging it in hot water is probably the best way to do this.) Once it starts melting, use a thermometer to find it's temperature. If it is sugar, it should be around 170oC.


How many gallons is 13.10 lbs?

It depends on the density of the substance, there is no way to equate weight (lbs) and volume (gallons) except by knowing the density of the substance concerned.


What is the only way to change the weight of a substance?

Probably change the density


Knowing the solubility of an unknown substance in water can help to identify what it is.?

Knowing the solubility of an unknown substance in water can help you calculate its molarity. It is however important to get its weight first.


What is the only way the density of a pure substance can change?

The density of a pure substance can change by altering its temperature. As temperature increases, most substances expand and therefore decrease in density, whereas as temperature decreases, most substances contract and increase in density.


If mass increases and volume stays the same then density?

no density would increase, mass = volume x density if we assume that the volume of the substance cannot change then the only way to increase mass would be if that substance became more dense.


What is the difference between density and matter?

The difference is that Density is one way of measuring matter, its a math expression. While Matter is a physical substance.


What substance that is calculated by its mass by volume?

No substance is calculated that way. Mass per unit volume is called the density of a substance or object, which is a property or unit of measure of a substance.


How you can convert Density of Crude oil into specific Gravity?

Specific gravity of a substance is defined as its density relative to the density of water. To convert the density of crude oil into specific gravity, you can divide the density of the crude oil by the density of water (1000 kg/m³ at 4°C). This will give you the specific gravity of the crude oil relative to water.


What are two ways to compare the density of a unknown substance?

One way is using the formula D=m/v. Or you could get some water and put the substance inside the water and see if the density is lower or higher.