Specific Weight Formula:
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Specific weight of a fluid is the weight per unit volume of that fluid. It represents the force exerted by gravity on a unit volume of the fluid and is an important property in fluid mechanics and buoyancy calculations.
The calculator uses the specific weight formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the specific weight of a fluid based on the buoyant force exerted on a body and the pressure head difference across the body's cross-sectional area.
Details: Calculating specific weight is crucial for understanding fluid behavior, designing hydraulic systems, analyzing buoyancy effects, and solving various engineering problems involving fluids.
Tips: Enter buoyant force in newtons (N), pressure head difference in meters (m), and cross-sectional area in square meters (m²). All values must be positive and greater than zero.
Q1: What is the difference between specific weight and density?
A: Specific weight is weight per unit volume (N/m³), while density is mass per unit volume (kg/m³). They are related by the equation: specific weight = density × gravitational acceleration.
Q2: How does temperature affect specific weight?
A: Temperature affects specific weight because it changes fluid density. As temperature increases, most fluids expand, decreasing their density and specific weight.
Q3: What are typical specific weight values for common fluids?
A: Water at 4°C has a specific weight of approximately 9800 N/m³, mercury about 133,000 N/m³, and air at sea level about 12 N/m³.
Q4: How is specific weight used in buoyancy calculations?
A: In buoyancy, the specific weight of the fluid determines the upward buoyant force on a submerged object according to Archimedes' principle.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for gases as well as liquids?
A: Yes, the formula applies to both liquids and gases, though the specific weight of gases is typically much lower than that of liquids.