critical density

[ krit-i-kuhl den-si-tee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the density of a pure element or compound at a critical point:

   If space has positive curvature, the actual density of matter must be larger than the critical density.

critical density

noun

1. the density of matter that would be required to halt the expansion of the universe

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical density¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

A tipping point will occur when there is such a critical density of objects in orbit that one collision could set off a chain reaction and take those systems offline, the report says.

From Los Angeles Times

In a real weapon, conventional explosives ringing an actual pit would implode the plutonium to a critical density, triggering an explosive fissile chain reaction.

From Science Magazine

The bomb would use explosives to squeeze a softball-size lump of plutonium to critical density, ideally resulting in a soul-rattling explosion.

From New York Times

Mesh networks with a fixed range need a critical density of users and are most likely to provide widespread connectivity at crowded events such as a music festival, a soccer game or a large protest.

From Scientific American

If the actual density of the universe is less than the critical density, it is predicted that the universe will forever expand, as there isn’t enough matter to stop it.

From Salon