No, all liquids are not the same weight. The weight of a liquid depends on its density and volume.
Understanding Liquid Density
A liquid's density is a measure of how much mass is packed into a given volume. Think of it like this: a liter of honey weighs more than a liter of water because honey is denser; it has more mass in the same volume. This is why, as stated in multiple sources (Key Concepts, American Chemical Society, Reddit ELI5), if you weigh equal volumes of different liquids, the one that weighs more is denser.
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Example: A liter of mercury is significantly heavier than a liter of water.
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Practical Insight: This difference in density is crucial in various applications, from separating oil and water to understanding buoyancy.
Volume's Role in Weight
Even if two liquids have the same density, different volumes will have different weights. A larger volume of any liquid will naturally weigh more than a smaller volume of the same liquid.
- Example: Two cups of water will weigh more than one cup of water.
Misconceptions
Some sources (Reddit NoStupidQuestions) attempt to simplify the concept, but the fundamental truth remains: liquids with different densities or volumes will have different weights. The claim that under specific conditions all liquids could weigh the same is misleading; it focuses on manipulating conditions rather than addressing the inherent differences in liquid properties. Statements like "equal amounts (weight) of water and buttermilk do NOT contain equal amounts of water" (The Fresh Loaf) highlight the importance of considering composition alongside volume and density when comparing the weights of liquids. The idea that one liter of all liquids weighs one kilogram (Quora) is incorrect except for pure water under specific conditions.
