Does 1 Milliliter Always Equal 1 Gram? Understanding Density and Weight

Learn why 1 mL does not always equal 1 gram and how density affects the weight of different substances like water, oil, and mercury.

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No, 1 mL does not always equal 1 gram. The relationship between milliliters (mL) and grams (g) depends on the density of the substance. For example, 1 mL of water weighs approximately 1 gram because its density is close to 1 g/mL. However, substances with a higher density than water, like mercury, will weigh more than 1 gram per mL, and those with a lower density, like oil, will weigh less.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why does 1 mL not always equal 1 gram? Because the weight of 1 milliliter depends on the substance's density, which varies. Water has a density close to 1 g/mL, but other substances like oil or mercury have different densities.
  2. How do you convert milliliters to grams for different liquids? You multiply the volume in milliliters by the density of the liquid in grams per milliliter to get the weight in grams.
  3. What substances weigh more than 1 gram per milliliter? Substances denser than water, such as mercury, weigh more than 1 gram for each milliliter.