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Specific Weight Formula:
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Specific weight represents the weight per unit volume of a material. It is calculated by multiplying the specific gravity of the substance by the specific weight of water.
The calculator uses the specific weight formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts the dimensionless specific gravity value into actual weight per unit volume using the reference value of water's specific weight.
Details: Specific weight is crucial in fluid mechanics, civil engineering, and material science for calculating buoyancy forces, structural loads, and material properties in various applications.
Tips: Enter specific gravity (dimensionless) and specific weight of water (default is 9807 N/m³). Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the difference between specific weight and density?
A: Density is mass per unit volume (kg/m³), while specific weight is weight per unit volume (N/m³). Specific weight = density × gravitational acceleration.
Q2: Why use specific gravity instead of density?
A: Specific gravity is dimensionless and provides a direct comparison to water, making it convenient for material characterization across different measurement systems.
Q3: What is the standard specific weight of water?
A: At 4°C and standard atmospheric pressure, the specific weight of water is approximately 9807 N/m³ (62.43 lbf/ft³ in imperial units).
Q4: Can specific weight change with temperature?
A: Yes, since both density and gravitational acceleration can vary with temperature and location, though these changes are typically small for most engineering applications.
Q5: How is specific weight used in engineering applications?
A: It's used in buoyancy calculations, structural design of fluid containers, soil mechanics, and determining forces in hydraulic systems.