What is the Difference Between Relative Density and Density?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between density and relative density lies in their definitions and the way they are used to describe the properties of substances. Here are the key differences:
- Density is an absolute measure of mass per unit volume of a substance. It is usually measured in units like kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Density is a unique characteristic of each substance and depends on mass and volume.
- Relative density, also known as specific gravity, is a dimensionless quantity defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4°C. Relative density is used to compare the density of a substance to that of another substance, such as water, and can help determine the buoyancy of a substance in a fluid or gas, or the density of an unknown substance from the known density of another.
In summary:
- Density is an absolute measure of mass per unit volume and is usually measured in units like kg/m³ or g/cm³.
- Relative density is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4°C.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Relative Density and Density? Comparative Table: Relative Density vs Density
Comparative Table: Relative Density vs Density
Here is a table comparing the differences between density and relative density:
| Property | Density | Relative Density |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Density is defined as the mass of a unit volume of a substance. | Relative density is defined as the ratio of the density of a given substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4°C. |
| Unit | The SI unit of density is kg/m³. | Relative density is a dimensionless quantity, as it is a ratio of densities. |
| Purpose | Density is a fundamental property of a substance, which determines its physical size and is used in scientific work. | Relative density is used in various industries, often due to historical reasons, and is more commonly used for comparing materials. |
| Temperature Dependence | Density is temperature-dependent, as changing the volume changes the mass. | The relative density ratio can be influenced by changes in the density of either the substance or the reference substance, such as water. |
In summary, density is a property that represents the mass per unit volume of a substance, while relative density is a ratio comparing the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, usually water at 4°C.
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