Bulk density is a term used to describe the mass of a substance per unit volume. This is an important concept in many fields, including physics, geology, and engineering. Understanding bulk density is essential for measuring the properties of materials, such as the weight of soils, rocks, and construction materials.
Definitions
Bulk density is the ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume. It is expressed in units of mass per unit volume, such as grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The bulk density of a material is affected by its particle size, shape, and packing arrangement.
Origin
The concept of bulk density has been around for centuries. It was first introduced by Archimedes, who discovered the principle of buoyancy in the third century BC. He used the principle of buoyancy to determine the density of objects, including rocks and metals.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bulk density is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines bulk density as “the mass of a substance per unit volume, including the spaces between the particles.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the weight of a substance per unit volume.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the weight of a substance in a particular volume.”
Associations
Bulk density is associated with a wide range of fields, including geology, physics, engineering, and materials science. It is used to measure the properties of materials, including soils, rocks, construction materials, and powders. It is also used to calculate the weight of materials, such as in shipping and transportation.
Synonyms
The synonyms of bulk density include density, specific gravity, mass density, and weight density.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bulk density include volume, capacity, and space.
The same root words
The root words of bulk density are “bulk” and “density.” “Bulk” refers to the size or volume of a material, while “density” refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume.
Example Sentences
- The bulk density of the soil was measured to determine its weight and volume.
- The bulk density of the construction material was calculated to determine its shipping weight.
- The geologist measured the bulk density of the rock to determine its composition.
- The engineer used the bulk density of the powder to design the packaging for transportation.
- The physicist used the bulk density of the material to calculate its buoyancy.