Day 9

Context

On the last page we were introduced to the concept of density. On this page that concept is further developed.

Explanation

Today we will think about density more deeply.

After this class you should be able to:

• Better understand the concept of density.
• Write a statement for the concept of density.
• Write the mathematical expression for density.

Model

The Concept of Density

Density seems to be a fairly easy idea to grasp, but it gives a lot of people trouble. Lets start by writing some words that describe density. Finish this statement: If something is more dense it is ....

Once we have these words we can try to identify the variables associated with those words.

When we have identified the variables we can write a statement that expresses the relationship between the variables. That relationship can then be simplified into a shorter version and that ends up being the equation for density.

The equations scientist use were not from a dream and then used to torment students! They are a concise statement of a physical phenomena. They are developed from a long process and are the most elegant way of describing the physical world that we live in.

Homework

The homework for this class is on Canvas.