1. What is Specific Volume?

Specific volume is a thermodynamic property defined as the volume occupied by a unit mass of a substance. It is the reciprocal of density and is commonly used in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to describe material properties.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the specific volume formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Specific volume (m³/kg)
• \( \rho \) — Density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume per unit mass of a substance, which is the inverse of its mass per unit volume (density).

3. Importance of Specific Volume Calculation

Details: Specific volume is crucial in thermodynamics for analyzing gas behavior, calculating work in thermodynamic processes, and determining phase properties in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter density in kg/m³. The value must be valid (density > 0). The calculator will compute the corresponding specific volume in m³/kg.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between specific volume and density?
A: Specific volume and density are reciprocal properties. Specific volume = 1/density, and density = 1/specific volume.

Q2: What are typical specific volume values for common substances?
A: Water at 4°C has specific volume of approximately 0.001 m³/kg, while air at room temperature has about 0.833 m³/kg.

Q3: How does temperature affect specific volume?
A: For most substances, specific volume increases with temperature as materials expand when heated (except for water between 0-4°C).

Q4: What are the units of specific volume?
A: In SI units, specific volume is measured in cubic meters per kilogram (m³/kg). Other common units include ft³/lb and cm³/g.

Q5: Why is specific volume important in thermodynamics?
A: Specific volume is a fundamental property used in equations of state, phase diagrams, and calculations involving work and energy transfer in thermodynamic systems.