To determine the mass of oil, you need to know its density and volume, then multiply these two values. This method applies the fundamental relationship between mass, density, and volume.
Understanding the Formula
The core formula to calculate the mass of a substance, including oil, is:
Mass (m) = Density (ρ) × Volume (V)
Where:
- m is the mass, usually measured in kilograms (kg).
- ρ (rho) is the density, usually measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). Density indicates how much mass is packed into a given volume.
- V is the volume, usually measured in cubic meters (m³).
Example Calculation Based on Reference
Based on the provided reference, let's demonstrate how to calculate the mass of oil.
The reference states: Determine the total mass of the oil, m, by multiplying the density, = 850 kg/m , to the volume, V = 2m , or m = ρ × V.
Following this:
- Density (ρ) = 850 kg/m³
- Volume (V) = 2 m³
Applying the formula:
m = 850 kg/m³ * 2 m³
m = 1700 kg
Therefore, the mass of the oil is 1700 kilograms.
Practical Considerations
- Measuring Volume: For irregularly shaped containers, volume might need to be calculated using techniques such as water displacement or advanced tools.
- Density Variation: The density of oil can vary based on its type (e.g., crude oil, vegetable oil) and temperature. Use the specific density of the oil you're working with for accurate results.
- Units: Ensure that the units of density and volume match, so that the mass is calculated in the desired unit. If the density is given in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), then your volume should be converted to cubic centimeters as well, and your mass will be grams.
Summary
To obtain the mass of oil, you must multiply its density by its volume. This calculation requires accurate measurements of density and volume, using appropriate units.
