Methyl alcohol has a specific gravity of 0.789. Calculate its density and its specific weight.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, has a specific gravity of 0.789.pecific gravity is a dimensionless number that indicates the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4°C (which has a density of 1000 kg/m³).herefore, to find the density of methanol, we multiply its specific gravity by the density of water:
ensity of methanol = Specific gravity × Density of water
ensity of methanol = 0.789 × 1000 kg/m³
ensity of methanol = 789 kg/m³
his means that methanol has a density of 789 kilograms per cubic meter.
he specific weight of a substance is the weight per unit volume, which can be calculated by multiplying the density of the substance by the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.81 m/s²):
pecific weight = Density × Acceleration due to gravity
pecific weight of methanol = 789 kg/m³ × 9.81 m/s²
pecific weight of methanol = 7740.09 N/m³
herefore, the specific weight of methanol is approximately 7740.09 newtons per cubic meter.
nderstanding these properties is crucial in various engineering and scientific applications.ensity is a fundamental property that influences how substances interact, mix, and behave under different conditions.or instance, in fluid mechanics, the density of a fluid affects buoyancy, pressure, and flow characteristics.nowing the density of methanol allows engineers to design equipment and processes that handle methanol safely and efficiently.
pecific weight, on the other hand, is essential in calculations involving forces exerted by fluids.or example, when designing storage tanks or pipelines for methanol, engineers must consider the specific weight to ensure structural integrity and prevent failures.dditionally, in applications like fluid transport, the specific weight influences the energy required to pump the fluid through a system.
t’s also important to note that both density and specific weight can vary with temperature and pressure.s temperature increases, most liquids expand, leading to a decrease in density and specific weight.herefore, when performing precise calculations or designing systems involving methanol, it’s essential to account for the operating temperature and pressure conditions to ensure accuracy and safety.
n summary, with a specific gravity of 0.789, methanol has a density of 789 kg/m³ and a specific weight of approximately 7740.09 N/m³.hese properties are vital for engineers and scientists in designing and analyzing systems that involve methanol, ensuring both efficiency and safety in various applications.