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Relative Density Formula:
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Relative Density (also known as specific gravity) is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference material. It's a dimensionless quantity that indicates whether a material will float or sink in the reference fluid.
The calculator uses Archimedes' principle formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation is based on Archimedes' principle which states that the buoyant force on a submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
Details: Relative density measurements are crucial in various fields including geology, material science, and quality control. It helps identify minerals, determine material purity, and assess quality of products like fuels, lubricants, and construction materials.
Tips: Enter the mass of the object in kilograms and the apparent loss in weight when submerged. Ensure the loss in weight is less than the mass for valid results.
Q1: What's the difference between density and relative density?
A: Density is mass per unit volume with units (kg/m³), while relative density is a dimensionless ratio comparing a substance's density to a reference material.
Q2: What reference materials are commonly used?
A: For liquids and solids, water is typically used as the reference (density = 1000 kg/m³). For gases, air is commonly used as the reference.
Q3: Why is relative density important in material identification?
A: Different materials have characteristic relative density values, making it a useful property for identification and quality control purposes.
Q4: What factors can affect relative density measurements?
A: Temperature affects both the sample and reference material densities, so measurements should be made at standardized temperatures (typically 20°C or 25°C).
Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For most applications, measurements to three or four decimal places provide sufficient accuracy. Highly precise applications may require more accurate measurements.