What is The Density of Mercury? Convert It into SI Units

The density of mercury is commonly given as 13.6 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system. To convert this value into SI units (kilograms per cubic meter, kg/m³), follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Conversion

1. Convert Grams to Kilograms:
   • 1 gram (g) = 0.001 kilograms (kg)
   • So, 13.6 g = 13.6 × 0.001 kg = 0.0136 kg
2. Convert Cubic Centimeters to Cubic Meters:
   • 1 centimeter (cm) = 0.01 meters (m)
   • 1 cm³ = (0.01 m)³ = 0.000001 m³ = 1 × 10⁻⁶ m³
3. Combine the Conversions:
   • Density in SI units = (0.0136 kg) / (1 × 10⁻⁶ m³)
   • = 13,600 kg/m³

Final Answer: The density of mercury in SI units is 13,600 kg/m³.

Significance

• Comparison: Mercury is much denser than water (1,000 kg/m³), which is why objects that float in water may sink in mercury.
• Application: Knowing the density in SI units is essential for scientific calculations, engineering applications, and laboratory measurements.