1. What is Specific Volume?

Specific volume (v) is an intensive property of a substance defined as the volume occupied by a unit mass of a material. It is the reciprocal of density (ρ) 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)
• \( \rho \) — Density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The specific volume is simply the inverse of the density, representing how much volume one kilogram of the substance occupies.

3. Importance of Specific Volume

Details: Specific volume is crucial in thermodynamics for analyzing gas and vapor properties, calculating work in thermodynamic processes, and determining phase changes in substances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the density value in kg/m³. The density must be greater than zero (ρ > 0) for the calculation to be valid.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical specific volume values for common substances?
A: Air at STP: ~0.833 m³/kg, Water: ~0.001 m³/kg, Steam at 100°C: ~1.673 m³/kg.

Q2: How does specific volume relate to molar volume?
A: Molar volume is specific volume multiplied by molar mass (Vₘ = v × M).

Q3: Why is specific volume important in thermodynamics?
A: It's a fundamental property in equations of state and helps determine phase (gas, liquid) of substances.

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

Q5: What's the difference between specific volume and volume?
A: Volume is extensive (depends on amount), while specific volume is intensive (per unit mass).