To find specific weight, you multiply the density of the substance by the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²).
Here's a breakdown:
-
Specific Weight (γ): This is the weight per unit volume of a substance. It's a measure of how much a certain volume of a substance weighs.
-
Density (ρ): This is the mass per unit volume of a substance.
-
Acceleration due to Gravity (g): This is the constant acceleration of objects due to gravity, approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth.
Formula:
The formula to calculate specific weight is:
γ = ρ * g
Where:
- γ = Specific weight (typically in N/m³ or lb/ft³)
- ρ = Density (typically in kg/m³ or slug/ft³)
- g = Acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² or 32.2 ft/s²)
Example:
Let's calculate the specific weight of water at 10 degrees Celsius.
- The density of water at 10 degrees Celsius is approximately 1000 kg/m³.
- Acceleration due to gravity is 9.81 m/s².
- Specific weight (γ) = 1000 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² = 9810 N/m³
Therefore, the specific weight of water at 10 degrees Celsius is 9810 Newtons per cubic meter.
