1. What is Specific Gravity?

Definition: Specific gravity (SG) is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance (typically water).

Purpose: It's a dimensionless quantity that helps compare material densities and is widely used in construction, geology, and material science.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The material's density is divided by water's density to get a relative measure of density.

3. Importance of Specific Gravity

Details: Specific gravity helps determine material purity, composition, and suitability for various applications. It's crucial in concrete mix design and aggregate selection.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a specific gravity of 2.5 mean?
A: It means the material is 2.5 times denser than water at the same temperature.

Q2: Why is water density typically 1000 kg/m³?
A: This is water's density at 4°C (39°F), its maximum density point.

Q3: What's the specific gravity of concrete?
A: Normal concrete typically has SG between 2.3 and 2.5, depending on aggregates used.

Q4: When would I change the water density value?
A: For precise calculations at different temperatures, as water density changes slightly with temperature.

Q5: Can specific gravity be less than 1?
A: Yes, materials less dense than water (like most woods) have SG < 1.