1. What is Relative Density?

Relative density, also known as specific gravity, is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference material (typically water). It is a dimensionless quantity that indicates whether a substance will float or sink in water.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the relative density formula:

Where:

• Density of Substance — Mass per unit volume of the material being measured (kg/m³)
• Density of Water — Reference density, typically 1000 kg/m³ at 4°C

Explanation: A relative density less than 1 indicates the substance will float in water, while a value greater than 1 means it will sink.

3. Importance of Relative Density Calculation

Details: Relative density is important in various fields including geology, material science, brewing, and petroleum industry. It helps identify minerals, assess material purity, and determine alcohol content in beverages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the density of the substance in kg/m³. The density of water is pre-set to 1000 kg/m³ but can be adjusted if needed for different temperatures or conditions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is water used as the reference material?
A: Water is used because it's abundant, well-studied, and has a density very close to 1000 kg/m³ at standard conditions (4°C).

Q2: What does a relative density of 0.8 mean?
A: A relative density of 0.8 means the substance is 0.8 times as dense as water and will float.

Q3: How does temperature affect relative density?
A: Both substance density and water density change with temperature. For precise measurements, densities should be measured at the same temperature.

Q4: Can relative density be less than zero?
A: No, relative density is always a positive value since density cannot be negative.

Q5: Is relative density the same as specific gravity?
A: Yes, relative density and specific gravity are essentially the same concept, though specific gravity sometimes refers to the ratio at a specific temperature.