Relative density

US Navy 111005-N-ZN781-031 Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Rolando Calilung tests for a specific gravity test on JP-5 fuel

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Relative Density (RD), also known as specific gravity (SG), is a measure of the density of a material compared to the density of a reference substance. Typically, the reference substance is water for liquids or solids, and air for gases. Relative density is a dimensionless quantity, as it is the ratio of either densities or weights.

Definition

The relative density of a substance is calculated by the formula: \[ RD = \frac{\rho_{substance}}{\rho_{reference}} \] where \( \rho_{substance} \) is the density of the substance and \( \rho_{reference} \) is the density of the reference material (usually water for solids and liquids, and air for gases).

Importance

Understanding the relative density of a material is crucial in various scientific and engineering fields. It helps in identifying substances, designing objects that float or sink in fluids, and in applications involving fluid dynamics and buoyancy.

Measurement

The measurement of relative density can be performed using different methods, including the use of a Hydrometer, a Pycnometer, or an Archimedes' principle based method. The choice of method depends on the accuracy required and the physical state of the substance.

Applications

Relative density finds applications in various fields such as:

• Chemistry, for the identification of substances and determination of their purity.
• Geology, in determining the mineral composition of rocks.
• Civil Engineering, in soil testing and the design of mixtures for concrete.
• Fluid Mechanics, in understanding fluid flow and buoyancy.

See Also

• Density
• Buoyancy
• Hydrometer
• Pycnometer