1. What is Density vs Specific Gravity?

Definition: This calculator converts between specific gravity and density using the density of water as a reference.

Purpose: It helps in material science, engineering, and chemistry to relate these two important physical properties.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \rho \) — Density of the substance (kg/m³)
• \( SG \) — Specific Gravity (unitless)
• \( \rho_{water} \) — Density of water (typically 1000 kg/m³)

Explanation: Specific gravity is multiplied by water's density to obtain the absolute density of the substance.

3. Importance of Density and Specific Gravity

Details: These properties are crucial for material identification, buoyancy calculations, and fluid mechanics applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the specific gravity (ratio) and water density (default 1000 kg/m³). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is specific gravity?
A: It's the ratio of a substance's density to the density of water at a specified temperature (usually 4°C).

Q2: Why is water density important?
A: Water is the reference substance for specific gravity calculations, with a density of 1000 kg/m³ at 4°C.

Q3: Can I use different units?
A: The calculator uses kg/m³, but you can convert results to other units (g/cm³, lb/ft³) as needed.

Q4: What's the specific gravity of common materials?
A: Examples: Aluminum (2.7), Gold (19.3), Ice (0.92), Gasoline (0.7-0.8).

Q5: Does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Yes, since both substance density and water density change with temperature, though the effect is often negligible for solids.