Difference between Mass And Volume
Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, while volume indicates the space it occupies. While both are properties of matter, they are measured differently and have different purposes. The relationship between mass and volume depends on the density of the material.
In this article, we will learn the key differences between mass and volume.
What is Mass?
Mass refers to the quantity of matter present in an object. It is measured in kilograms (kg) or grams (g). The mass of the body remains the same everywhere, irrespective of location. Mass (m) can be calculated using the formula,
mass (m) = Density (ρ) × Volume (V)
- Mass is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.
- The total mass of a system is the sum of the masses of its components.
- Mass remains constant regardless of location or gravitational force.
- Mass is conserved in isolated systems according to the law of conservation of mass.
- Mass determines an object’s inertia, which is its resistance to changes in motion.
What is Volume?
Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object or substance. It is measured in cubic meters (m3) or cubic centimeters (cm3). Volume can change based on the shape and arrangement of matter.
- Volume is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.
- It is not directly affected by gravity and remains constant.
- The formula to calculate volume depends on the shape of the object.
- The total volume of a system is the sum of the volumes of its individual components.
Difference between Mass And Volume
Here are the differences between mass and volume:
| Aspect | Mass | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mass is the amount of matter in an object. | Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object. |
|
Symbol |
Symbol of mass is m. |
Symbol of volume is V. |
| Measurement Unit | Measured in kilograms (kg) or grams (g). | Measured in cubic meters (m3) or cubic centimeters (cm3). |
| Properties | Mass remains constant regardless of location. | Volume can change based on the shape and arrangement of matter. |
| Affected by Gravity | Mass is affected by gravity and determines an object’s weight. | Volume is not directly affected by gravity. |
| Formula | No specific formula, but mass can be calculated by multiplying density by volume. | Volume can be calculated by dividing mass by density. |
| Examples | Examples include the mass of a book, person, or planet. | Examples include the volume of a box, liquid, or gas. |
| Importance | Mass is essential in determining an object’s inertia and gravitational force. | Volume is important for understanding the size and shape of objects. |
Relationship between Mass And Volume
Mass refers to the amount of substance in an object, while volume represents the space occupied by that substance. The relationship between mass and volume can vary depending on the density of the material.
The relationship between mass (m), volume (V), and density (ρ) is given by the formula:
Density(ρ) = Mass(m)/ Volume(V)
Density is a key factor that influences the relationship between mass and volume. It represents the mass per unit volume of a substance. It is denoted by the Greek letter rho (ρ).
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FAQs on Difference between Mass and Volume
What is the difference between mass and volume?
Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, while volume measures the space occupied by the object.
How are mass and volume measured?
Mass is typically measured in kilograms or grams using scales, while volume is measured in cubic meters or cubic centimeters using graduated cylinders or geometric formulas.
Can mass and volume be used interchangeably?
No, mass and volume are distinct properties of matter and cannot be used interchangeably. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter, while volume indicates the amount of space occupied by that matter.
How does gravity affect mass and volume?
Mass is affected by gravity and determines an object’s weight, while volume is not directly influenced by gravity and remains constant regardless of gravitational force.
Give examples illustrating the difference between mass and volume?
Examples of mass include the weight of a person or the amount of sugar in a bowl, while examples of volume include the size of a container or the capacity of a swimming pool.
How can mass and volume be related in certain situations?
Mass and volume can be related through density, which is the mass of a substance per unit volume. Objects with higher density have more mass for a given volume, while those with lower density have less mass for the same volume.