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Density Formula:
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Specific Gravity (SG) is a dimensionless unit that represents the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water. Converting SG to density allows us to express this property in standard units (typically kg/m³) for practical applications.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula multiplies the specific gravity by the reference density of water to obtain the absolute density of the substance.
Details: Density is a fundamental physical property used across many scientific and engineering disciplines. It's essential for material identification, quality control, buoyancy calculations, and many industrial processes.
Tips: Enter the specific gravity as a decimal number (e.g., 0.85 for a substance that is 85% as dense as water). The default water density is set to 1000 kg/m³, but you can adjust this value if working with different reference conditions.
Q1: Why is water density typically 1000 kg/m³?
A: Pure water has a density of approximately 1000 kg/m³ at 4°C, which is its temperature of maximum density. This value is commonly used as a standard reference.
Q2: Does temperature affect specific gravity measurements?
A: Yes, both the sample and reference densities change with temperature. For precise work, measurements should be made at standardized temperatures or appropriate corrections applied.
Q3: Can I use this calculator for any substance?
A: Yes, this conversion works for any material where you know the specific gravity relative to water. The result will be the density of that substance in the same units as the water density input.
Q4: What are some common applications of specific gravity to density conversion?
A: This conversion is used in petroleum industry (API gravity), brewing (wort density), geology (mineral identification), and many chemical processing applications.
Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact. The accuracy of your result depends on the precision of your specific gravity measurement and the appropriateness of the water density value used.