Understanding the Conversion: Is 5 mL Equal to Grams?

Discover why 5 mL isn't always equal to grams and learn the conversion for different substances.

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5 mL (milliliters) is not intrinsically equal to grams as they measure different things: milliliters measure volume and grams measure weight. However, for water, 1 mL approximately equals 1 gram, making 5 mL of water roughly 5 grams. For other substances, this conversion varies based on density.

FAQs & Answers

  1. How do you convert mL to grams for different substances? To convert mL to grams for substances other than water, you need to know the density of the substance. The formula is: grams = mL × density (g/mL).
  2. Is 5 mL always equal to 5 grams? No, 5 mL is not always equal to 5 grams. This conversion is true only for water. For other substances, the weight can differ based on their density.
  3. What is the density of common liquids like oil or alcohol? The density of oil varies but is typically around 0.91 g/mL, while alcohol (ethanol) has a density of about 0.789 g/mL. This means that 5 mL of oil would weigh approximately 4.55 grams, and 5 mL of ethanol would weigh about 3.95 grams.
  4. Why is understanding mL and grams important in cooking? Understanding the difference between mL and grams is crucial in cooking for accurate measurements, especially when baking, where precision can affect the outcome of recipes.