Which of the following formulas correctly calculates the density of a substance?

• A. density = mass + volume
• B. density = mass × volume
• C. density = volume / mass
• D. density = mass / volume

Answer: (D)

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. Analyze the given options: addition (mass + volume) and multiplication (mass × volume) do not represent the physical concept of density, as density relates mass to volume through division.
4. Similarly, volume divided by mass (\(\frac{\text{volume}}{\text{mass}}\)) is the inverse of density and does not correctly represent density itself.
5. Therefore, the correct formula for density is \(\text{density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}\), which aligns with the physical meaning and units of density.