Chapter U3, Problem 3STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Based on the mass vs volume plot, the statement which describes the mass of snow, ice and rain for each with equal volumes needs to be identified.

Concept introduction:

The density of a substance is the mass occupied by it per unit volume, i.e.,

$\text{Density(D) = }\frac{\text{Mass (m)}}{\text{Volume (V)}}\text{ -----(1)}$

Answer to Problem 3STP

(D) The mass of rain will be highest because rain has the highest density.

Explanation of Solution

Based on equation (1):

$\text{M = D×V}$

Thus, for substances of equal volume, the mass of the substance is directly proportional to its density.

From the mass vs volume plot, for 20 ml of snow, ice and rain:

$\text{Mass rain > Mass ice > Mass of snow}$

For equal volumes of all three substances, the order in terms of density will be:

Density rain > Density of ice > Density of snow

Therefore, mass and density of rain will be the highest while that of snow will be the lowest.

Conclusion

The mass of rain will be highest because rain has the highest density.