1. What is Fluid Density?

Fluid density (ρ_f) is defined as the mass of a fluid per unit volume. It's a fundamental property that affects buoyancy, fluid flow, and many other physical phenomena in fluid mechanics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic density equation:

Where:

• \( \rho_f \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( m \) — Mass of the fluid (kg)
• \( V \) — Volume of the fluid (m³)

Explanation: The equation shows that density is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to volume.

3. Importance of Density Calculation

Details: Density is crucial for determining buoyant forces, designing ships and submarines, calculating fluid pressures, and in many engineering applications involving fluid flow.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and volume in cubic meters. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, measure mass and volume carefully.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical density values for common fluids?
A: Water is about 1000 kg/m³, air is about 1.225 kg/m³ at sea level, and mercury is about 13,600 kg/m³.

Q2: How does temperature affect fluid density?
A: Most fluids expand when heated (density decreases) and contract when cooled (density increases), with water being a notable exception between 0-4°C.

Q3: What's the difference between density and specific gravity?
A: Specific gravity is the ratio of a fluid's density to the density of water at 4°C (1000 kg/m³), making it dimensionless.

Q4: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For most applications, 2-3 significant figures are sufficient, but research applications may require higher precision.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for gases?
A: Yes, but remember gas density varies significantly with temperature and pressure, unlike liquids which are nearly incompressible.