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Is mustard oil denser than water?

Published in Density of Liquids 2 mins read

No, mustard oil is not denser than water.

Based on the reference provided, it is stated that "oil floats on water as it is denser than water", meaning that oil, including mustard oil, is less dense than water and will therefore float on top of it.

Understanding Density

Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is packed into a given volume. It's calculated as mass divided by volume. This concept helps explain why some substances float while others sink in a liquid like water.

Density Comparison: Mustard Oil vs. Water

Here's a simplified look:

Substance Density Relative to Water Behavior in Water
Mustard Oil Less dense Floats on water
Water More dense Remains at the bottom

Key Insights

  • Floating: When a substance is less dense than water, it will float. This is why oil slicks form on top of bodies of water.
  • Practical Observation: You can easily verify this at home by mixing a small amount of mustard oil and water in a glass. The oil will clearly separate and form a layer above the water.

In short, since mustard oil floats on water, this means it has a lower density than water.

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