Density of Metals

The density of a metal is defined as its mass per unit volume under standard conditions (typically at room temperature, 20°C, and 1 atmosphere pressure). It reflects how tightly atoms are packed within the metal and is a critical factor in applications where weight and strength are prioritized.

Different metals exhibit distinct densities due to variations in atomic mass, atomic radius, and crystal structure. For example:

• Osmium (Os): Density 22.59 g/cm³ (highest among metals, used in high-wear applications like electrical contacts and instrument pivots).
• Platinum (Pt): Density 21.45 g/cm³ (valued in jewelry, laboratory equipment, and catalytic converters).
• Aluminum (Al): Density 2.70 g/cm³ (lightweight, widely used in transportation, packaging, and electronics).
• Magnesium (Mg): Density 1.738 g/cm³ (lightest structural metal, employed in automotive and aerospace components).

Alloys often have densities adjusted from their base metals:

• Brass (copper-zinc alloy): Density 8.4–8.7 g/cm³ (varies with zinc content; common in musical instruments, plumbing, and decorative items).
• Titanium alloys (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V): Density ~4.43 g/cm³ (enhanced strength for jet engines and biomedical devices).
• Stainless steel (iron-chromium-carbon alloy): Density 7.7–8.0 g/cm³ (corrosion-resistant, used in cutlery, construction, and medical tools).

The differences in density arise primarily from atomic mass, atomic packing efficiency, and crystal structure. Heavier atoms (e.g., osmium, platinum) and tightly packed lattices (e.g., hexagonal close-packing in osmium) increase density. Conversely, lighter atoms (e.g., aluminum, magnesium) and less dense crystal structures (e.g., face-centered cubic in aluminum) reduce density.

(Note: Densities are approximate and may vary slightly with impurities or structural defects.)

Here’s a table of densities of common metals and alloys sorted from lowest to highest (in English), following your requested format: