Is Density a Physical or Chemical Property? (And Why?)

Density is a physical property. ¹ It is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. ² Density remains constant for a specific substance, regardless of the size or shape of the sample, and it does not involve any changes in the chemical composition of the material.

Well, this was just a simple answer. But there are few more things to know about this topic which will make your concept super clear.

So let’s dive right into it.

Why is density a physical property?

Density is considered a physical property because it is a characteristic of a substance that can be observed and measured without changing the substance’s chemical identity. Physical properties are properties that describe the state or condition of a material or system, without involving any changes in its chemical composition. ³

Density is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume. ⁴ Mathematically, it is represented as:

Density = Mass / Volume

Here’s why density is considered a physical property:

• Independence of Amount: Density remains the same regardless of the quantity of the substance present. Whether you have a small or large amount of the substance, its density will remain constant.
• Temperature and Pressure Dependence: Density may change with variations in temperature and pressure, ^{5 6} but it still characterizes the substance itself. For example, as a solid is heated and transitions to a liquid or gas, its density may change, but it remains a property of the material.
• Identifies Materials: Density is unique to different materials and can help in their identification. If you know the density of a substance, you can compare it with known values to identify the material.
• Measurable: Density is easily measurable using standard laboratory equipment. By measuring the mass and volume of a substance, its density can be determined accurately.
• No Chemical Change: Determining the density of a substance does not involve any chemical reactions. It is purely a physical measurement and does not alter the substance’s chemical composition.

Because density satisfies all these criteria, it is considered a physical property. Other examples of physical properties include color, melting point, boiling point, solubility, electrical conductivity, and magnetism, among others. ^{7 8} These properties are essential in understanding and characterizing various materials and substances without altering their fundamental nature.

Why is density not a chemical property?

Density is not a chemical property because it does not depend on the substance’s molecular or atomic composition or its chemical reactions. Chemical properties, on the other hand, describe how a substance behaves in the presence of other substances or how it undergoes chemical reactions to form new substances with different chemical properties. ⁹

Density is solely determined by the mass of the substance and its volume. It remains constant for a specific material at a given temperature and pressure, regardless of the chemical environment.

Whether the substance is in a solid, liquid, or gas state, its density remains the same as long as its temperature and pressure are constant.

Chemical properties, on the contrary, are characteristics that involve the interactions of atoms and molecules within a substance and how it transforms into different substances during chemical reactions.

Some examples of chemical properties include reactivity, flammability, acidity, and the ability to undergo specific chemical reactions. ¹⁰

In summary, density is a physical property because it is a measurable and observable characteristic of a substance that does not change its chemical identity or composition. It is independent of chemical reactions and provides information about the substance’s mass and volume, rather than its chemical behavior or reactivity.

How is density measured for Solids, Liquids and Gases?

Sure! Here’s a brief overview of how density is measured for solids, liquids, and gases:

Density Measurement for Solids:

• Archimedes’ Principle (Hydrostatic Weighing): This method involves measuring the volume of the solid and comparing its weight in air to its weight when submerged in a liquid (usually water) of known density. The difference in weights allows calculation of the buoyant force acting on the solid, which is equal to the weight of the displaced liquid. Dividing the mass of the solid by the volume of the displaced liquid gives its density. ¹¹

Density Measurement for Liquids:

• Pycnometer Method: A pycnometer is a small glass container with a precise volume. The pycnometer is first weighed empty and then filled with a known volume of the liquid whose density is to be measured. After filling, the pycnometer is weighed again. The density is then calculated by dividing the mass of the liquid by its volume. ¹²
• Hydrometer Method: A hydrometer is a calibrated glass tube with a weighted bulb at the bottom. It is floated in the liquid, and the depth to which it sinks indicates the liquid’s density. Typically, the hydrometer is used for liquids where the density is proportional to their concentration, such as in determining the sugar content in solutions.

Density Measurement for Gases:

• Gas Displacement Method: In this method, a gas is passed through a tube containing a known volume of liquid (often water). As the gas bubbles through the liquid, it displaces an amount of liquid, which is then collected and measured. The volume of gas can be determined from the volume of liquid displaced, and density is calculated by dividing the mass of the gas by its volume. ¹³
• Ideal Gas Law: For ideal gases, density can be determined using the ideal gas law equation: Density = (Pressure * Molecular Mass) / (Gas Constant * Temperature). This equation relates the pressure, temperature, and density of the gas and requires knowledge of the gas’s molecular mass. ¹⁴

These methods provide reliable ways to determine the density of solids, liquids, and gases, allowing scientists and researchers to understand the physical properties of various materials and substances.

Further reading

Is Mass a Physical or Chemical Property?
Is Color a Physical or Chemical Property?
Is Flammability a Physical or Chemical Property?
Is Ductility a Physical or Chemical Property?
Is Melting Point a Physical or Chemical Property?

About author

Jay Rana

Jay is an educator and has helped more than 100,000 students in their studies by providing simple and easy explanations on different science-related topics. He is a founder of Pediabay and is passionate about helping students through his easily digestible explanations.

Read more about our Editorial process.

1. Elmhurst.edu http://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/120Adensity.html
2. Density – Background. (n.d.). Density – Background. https://dept.harpercollege.edu/chemistry/chm/100/dgodambe/thedisk/density/vback.htm
3. 1.3: Physical and Chemical Properties. (2015, October 29). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Chemistry_1e_(OpenSTAX)/01%3A_Essential_Ideas/1.3%3A_Physical_and_Chemical_Properties
4. What is Matter ? (n.d.). NRC Web. https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/science-101/what-is-matter.html
5. Density – Wikipedia. (2013, April 9). Density – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density
6. Hawaii.edu https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/density-effects/density-temperature-and-salinity
7. 4.8: Physical and Chemical Properties. (2016, December 14). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Map%3A__Introductory_Chemistry_(Corwin)/04%3A_Matter_and_Energy/4.08%3A_Physical_and_Chemical_Properties
8. Foundation, C. (n.d.). CK12-Foundation. CK12-Foundation. https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-chemistry-flexbook-2.0/section/2.3/primary/lesson/physical-properties-chem/
9. Physical & Chemical Changes in Matter – Teachers (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). Physical & Chemical Changes in Matter – Teachers (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/physical-chemical-changes-in-matter.htm
10. O. (n.d.). Physical and Chemical Properties – Chemistry. Physical and Chemical Properties – Chemistry. https://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/chemistry/chapter/physical-and-chemical-properties/
11. Hydrostatic weighing – Wikipedia. (2011, June 1). Hydrostatic Weighing – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrostatic_weighing
12. Gas pycnometer – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Gas Pycnometer – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_pycnometer
13. What is Gas Displacement Method? How to Calculate the True Density of Materials? (2023, April 6). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPNS9gC6s8U
14. Tenny, K. M., & Cooper, J. S. (2022, November 28). Ideal Gas Behavior – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Ideal Gas Behavior – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441936/