Density is defined as the mass-to-volume ratio of a substance, calculated using the formula ρ = mass/volume and expressed in units such as kg/m³ and g/cm³. Understanding density is crucial across various fields, including engineering, food, nutrition, and climate studies, as it influences material behavior under changing conditions. Key comparisons demonstrate that substances like oil and wood have lower densities than water and metals, respectively, illustrating the importance of density in predicting buoyancy and material properties.