1. What is Bulk Density vs Specific Gravity?

Definition: Bulk density is the mass of particles divided by the total volume they occupy (including voids), while specific gravity is the ratio of particle density to water density.

Purpose: These measurements help characterize materials in industries like construction, agriculture, and chemical engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two fundamental formulas:

Where:

• ρ_bulk — Bulk density (kg/m³)
• m — Mass of material (kg)
• V_total — Total volume occupied (m³)
• SG — Specific gravity (unitless)
• ρ_particle — Particle density (kg/m³)
• ρ_water — Density of water (1000 kg/m³)

Explanation: Bulk density includes void spaces between particles, while specific gravity compares the material's intrinsic density to water.

3. Importance of These Measurements

Details: Bulk density affects storage and transportation, while specific gravity helps identify materials and predict buoyancy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass of your material, the total volume it occupies (including air spaces), and the particle density (without voids). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between bulk density and particle density?
A: Bulk density includes void spaces between particles, while particle density is the intrinsic density of the material itself.

Q2: Why is water density fixed at 1000 kg/m³?
A: This is the standard density of water at 4°C, used as the reference for specific gravity calculations.

Q3: What are typical bulk density values?
A: Varies by material: sand ~1500 kg/m³, gravel ~1700 kg/m³, wheat ~770 kg/m³.

Q4: How do I measure particle density?
A: Use a pycnometer or calculate from mass and volume of particles without voids.

Q5: What does specific gravity tell me?
A: Values < 1 float in water, > 1 sink. Also indicates material purity and composition.