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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Volume and Specific Volume?

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The main difference between volume and specific volume lies in the fact that volume is an extensive property, while specific volume is an intensive property.

  • Volume: This is a thermodynamic property of a substance and refers to the amount of space occupied by it. Volume is usually measured in cubic meters (m³).
  • Specific Volume: This is a property of materials and represents the relationship between mass and volume of a substance. It is defined as the number of cubic meters occupied by one kilogram of a particular substance. The standard unit for specific volume is meters cubed per kilogram (m³/kg or m³·kg⁻¹). Specific volume is the reciprocal of density and can be calculated using the equation: $$\nu = \frac{V}{m} = \frac{RT}{PM}$$.

In summary:

  • Volume is a thermodynamic property that refers to the amount of space occupied by a substance.
  • Specific volume is an intensive property that represents the relationship between mass and volume of a substance.
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  • What is the Difference Between Volume and Specific Volume?
  • Comparative Table: Volume vs Specific Volume

    • Comparative Table: Volume vs Specific Volume

    Here is a table comparing the differences between volume and specific volume:

    Property Volume Specific Volume
    Definition Volume refers to the amount of space occupied by a substance or object. Specific volume refers to the volume of a substance per unit mass.
    Equation Volume: V = nRT / P. Specific volume: ν = V / m.
    Units Volume is measured in cubic meters (m³).. Specific volume is measured in cubic meters per kilogram (m³/kg)..
    Nature of property Volume is an extensive property, meaning it depends on the amount of substance. Specific volume is an intensive property, meaning it is independent of the amount of substance.
    Applications Volume is used to describe the amount of space occupied by a substance in various fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering. Specific volume is used in engineering, chemistry, and physics to make predictions concerning the behavior of gases under changing conditions and for volume, molar volume, and partial molar volume calculations.

    In summary, volume is a measure of the space occupied by a substance, while specific volume is a measure of the volume per unit mass of a substance. Volume is an extensive property, while specific volume is an intensive property.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.