Which of the following correctly describes how to calculate the density of an object?

• A. Divide the mass of the object by its volume (density = mass / volume)
• B. Divide the volume of the object by its mass (density = volume / mass)
• C. Add the mass and volume of the object together (density = mass + volume)
• D. Multiply the mass of the object by its volume (density = mass × volume)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of density in chemistry: density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance.
2. Express this relationship mathematically as density equals mass divided by volume, which can be written as \(\text{density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}\).
3. Understand that mass is typically measured in units like grams (g) and volume in units like cubic centimeters (cm\(^3\)) or milliliters (mL), so density units are often g/cm\(^3\) or g/mL.
4. Recognize that dividing volume by mass, adding mass and volume, or multiplying mass by volume do not represent the physical meaning of density and thus are incorrect methods.
5. Therefore, to calculate the density of an object, you must divide its mass by its volume using the formula \(\text{density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}\).