b. 50 cm³ of gasoline are mixed with 50 cm³ of water. What is the average density of the mixture?

Key Concepts

Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume, typically expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). It is a fundamental property of materials that indicates how much mass is contained in a given volume. Understanding density is crucial for calculating the average density of a mixture, as it helps determine how different substances interact when combined.

Volume Addition in Mixtures

When mixing two substances, the total volume of the mixture is often the sum of the individual volumes, assuming no significant volume contraction occurs. In this case, 50 cm³ of gasoline and 50 cm³ of water combine to form a total volume of 100 cm³. However, it is important to note that some mixtures may exhibit volume changes due to interactions between the components.

Average Density of a Mixture

The average density of a mixture can be calculated by dividing the total mass of the mixture by its total volume. In this scenario, the masses of gasoline and water must be determined using their respective densities. The average density provides insight into the overall behavior of the mixture, which can differ from the densities of the individual components due to their proportions and interactions.