Understanding the Difference: Is 0.5 mg Equal to 5 mL?

Discover why 0.5 mg and 5 mL are not equivalent and how density affects weight and volume calculations.

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0.5 mg and 5 mL are not the same; they measure different things. Milligrams (mg) measure weight, while milliliters (mL) measure volume. To compare them, you need to know the substance’s density. For example, with water (density = 1 g/mL), 5 mL equals 5000 mg. Always check the specific substance's density to convert between weight and volume accurately.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the difference between milligrams and milliliters? Milligrams (mg) measure weight, while milliliters (mL) measure volume. They are different units of measurement.
  2. How do I convert milligrams to milliliters? To convert milligrams to milliliters, you must know the density of the substance. The formula is: Volume (mL) = Weight (mg) / Density (g/mL).
  3. Is 5 mL equal to 5000 mg for all substances? No, 5 mL is equal to 5000 mg only for substances with a density of 1 g/mL, such as water. For other substances, the conversion will vary based on their density.
  4. Why is it important to know the density of a substance? Knowing the density of a substance is important for accurate conversions between weight and volume measurements.