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If the solid is soluble in water, you'll end up with a solution. For example, sugar is a solid, but it dissolves in water. So you couldn't tell the density of sugar (at least not in the direct way of the displacement method) by placing it in water..

This would also apply to salt, sand, ect.

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12y ago

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If the solid is soluble in water, you'll end up with a solution. For example, sugar is a solid, but it dissolves in water. So you couldn't tell the density of sugar (at least not in the direct way of the displacement method) by placing it in water..

This would also apply to salt, sand, ect.

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Wiki User

15y ago
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If the solid is hollow on the inside, then the density formula (D = mass/volume) will calculate a density which is less than the density of the substance that the solid is made of. Another reason that it might not work: If the object has a density which is less than water (normally the liquid that is used to submerge and determine displacement) then the object will float at the top, with part of the object above the surface of the liquid. This portion which is out of the water does not get measured.

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12y ago
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It's due to the fact that ice is technically water in solid form. It will melt while you are trying to measure it. Giving inadequate results.

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15y ago
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Q: Why wont density formula work for all solids?
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