1. What is Specific Volume?

Specific volume is a physical property of a substance, defined as the volume occupied per unit mass. It is the reciprocal of density and is commonly used in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the specific volume formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Specific volume (m³/kg)
• \( V \) — Volume (m³)
• \( m \) — Mass (kg)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much volume one kilogram of a substance occupies.

3. Importance of Specific Volume Calculation

Details: Specific volume is crucial in engineering applications, particularly in thermodynamics for analyzing gas and vapor properties, and in designing systems involving fluid flow and heat transfer.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter volume in cubic meters (m³) and mass in kilograms (kg). All values must be valid (volume > 0, mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between specific volume and density?
A: Specific volume is the reciprocal of density. While density is mass per unit volume, specific volume is volume per unit mass.

Q2: What are typical units for specific volume?
A: The SI unit is cubic meters per kilogram (m³/kg), but other units like cubic feet per pound (ft³/lb) are also used.

Q3: Why is specific volume important in thermodynamics?
A: Specific volume is a fundamental property used in equations of state and is crucial for calculating work done by or on a system.

Q4: How does specific volume change with temperature and pressure?
A: For gases, specific volume increases with temperature and decreases with pressure. For liquids, the changes are much smaller.

Q5: Can specific volume be used for mixtures?
A: Yes, specific volume can be calculated for mixtures by using the total volume and total mass of the mixture.