Most attacks of pancreatitis are caused by gallstones that block the flow of pancreatic enzymes or by excessive amounts of alcohol. Sudden (acute) pancreatitis may happen after a drinking binge or after many episodes of heavy drinking. Other causes of acute pancreatitis are: Infections, including mumps.
Density as a Characteristic Property. The density of a substance is a characteristic of that substance. Therefore, density is a property that can be used to help identify a substance. Properties used to help identify substances are called characteristic properties. Characteristic properties are not affected by the amount or shape of a substance: A bolt made from iron will have the same characteristic properties as the hull of an iron ship or a piece of iron railing.
Common distinguishing characteristics include crystal structure and habit, hardness, lustre, diaphaneity, colour, streak, tenacity, cleavage, fracture, parting, and specific gravity. More specific tests for describing minerals include magnetism, taste or smell, radioactivity and reaction to acid.