Is density a good way to identify a substance?

Answer 1

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

Ans:

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

yes