Does 1 Milliliter Equal 1 Gram? Understanding Volume to Mass Conversion
Learn why 1 mL does not always equal 1 gram and how substance density affects volume-to-mass conversions.
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No, 1 mL does not necessarily equal 1 gram. The relationship between milliliters (mL) and grams (g) depends on the density of the substance. For water, 1 mL is approximately equal to 1 gram because its density is close to 1 g/mL. However, for substances with a density greater or less than 1 g/mL, the conversion will differ. For example, 1 mL of mercury will be heavier (about 13.6 grams) because it has a higher density.
FAQs & Answers
- Why doesn't 1 mL always equal 1 gram? Because the weight of 1 mL depends on the substance's density, which varies. Only substances with a density of 1 g/mL, like water, have equal volume and mass measurements.
- How do I convert milliliters to grams for different substances? You multiply the volume in milliliters by the density of the substance in grams per milliliter to get the mass in grams.
- What is the density of mercury compared to water? Mercury has a much higher density than water, about 13.6 g/mL, so 1 mL of mercury weighs approximately 13.6 grams.