Density is calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume. Although the density of solids and liquids usually uses the unit g/mL, the density of gases uses the unit g/L. This is because gases contain a lot of empty space, so they are much less dense than solids and liquids. To calculate the density of a gas, it is easiest to calculate the density of a given amount of gas--specifically, a mole.
- Periodic table
- Calculator
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Instructions
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1
On the periodic table, locate the gas whose density you are calculating.
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2
Find the gas's atomic weight, which is usually listed in the top corner of the box containing the gas. The unit of the atomic weight is g/mol.
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3
Divide the atomic weight by 22.4 L/mol, which is the molar volume of a gas. The result, which is the density of the gas, will be in g/L.