Common Material Densities
In engineering and applied sciences, the density of materials is a critical factor in understanding their physical and chemical properties. Different materials have different densities, and understanding how much a particular material weighs compared to another one is essential when factoring in physical applications. Here’s a quick look at the densities of some of the most common materials.
Steel is one of the most widely used materials in industry and its density is 7,800 kilograms per cubic meter. Steel is a dense metal and can be used for a wide variety of applications, such as bridges, buildings, cars and industrial machinery. Steel is also used in medical braces, golf clubs and other everyday items.
Aluminum is another common material and its density is 2,700 kilograms per cubic meter. Aluminum’s lightweight and malleable properties make it a popular choice for window frames, aircraft and electronics. Aluminum is also used to make soft drink cans, kitchen utensils and other goods.
Wood has a density of around 700 kilograms per cubic meter. Wooden goods are very common in construction, furniture making and other applications. Wood is particularly useful for its strength and ability to be shaped and manipulated.
Plastic is a light material with a density of around 300 kilograms per cubic meter. Plastics are popular in a variety of goods, including food wrapping, bottles and other packaging. Plastics are also widely used in electrical goods, and for a range of medical and consumer items.
Wool is a light and fluffy material and has a density of around 600 kilograms per cubic meter. Wool is often used in clothing and rugs, as it’s an effective insulator and provides a comfortable feel when worn. Wool is also used in stuffed animals and other soft toys.
Glass is highly transparent and has a density of 2,500 kilograms per cubic meter. Glass is used to make windows, bottles and other containers, with many homes featuring glass-based decorating items. Car windshields are also made of glass, providing comfortable visibility and protection when driving.
Rubber is a tough and flexible material and has a density of 1,400 kilograms per cubic meter. Rubber has many uses, including tires, shoelaces and industrial rubber gaskets and seals. Popular rubber items such as tires, basketballs and wetsuits also take advantage of rubber’s elastic properties.
Concrete is a dense material and has a density of 2,400 kilograms per cubic meter. Concrete is used to build bridges, roads, dams and a range of other large structures. It is also used in the construction of homes, parking garages and other buildings.
These are some of the most common materials that have a range of uses. It’s important to be aware of the density of these materials when selecting them for your own applications. Understanding which material is the most appropriate for a particular job can save time, money and effort – so it’s worth taking the time to get to know the densities of these common materials.
