Air Density & Weight Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing air density and specific weight at various temperatures and standard atmospheric pressure:
Temperature (°C) | Temperature (°F) | Density (kg/m³) | Specific Weight (N/m³) | Specific Weight (lb/ft³) |
---|---|---|---|---|
-40 | -40 | 1.514 | 14.85 | 0.09456 |
-20 | -4 | 1.395 | 13.68 | 0.09026 |
0 | 32 | 1.293 | 12.67 | 0.08633 |
15 | 59 | 1.225 | 12.01 | 0.07636 |
20 | 68 | 1.204 | 11.81 | 0.07353 |
25 | 77 | 1.184 | 11.61 | 0.07219 |
30 | 86 | 1.165 | 11.43 | 0.07090 |
40 | 104 | 1.127 | 11.05 | 0.06846 |
50 | 122 | 1.109 | 10.88 | 0.06617 |
Key points about air density and weight:
- Temperature Effect: As temperature increases, air density decreases12. This is because warmer air molecules have more energy and spread out, occupying more volume.
- Pressure Effect: Air density increases with increasing pressure12. At higher altitudes, where pressure is lower, air density is lower.
- Humidity Effect: Surprisingly, humid air is less dense than dry air at the same temperature and pressure45. This is because water vapor molecules (H₂O) are lighter than nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂) molecules.
- Altitude Effect: Air density decreases with increasing altitude126. This is primarily due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure at higher elevations.
- Calculation: Air density can be calculated using the ideal gas law for dry air, and a modified version for humid air25.
- Standard Conditions: At sea level and 15°C (59°F), the standard air density is approximately 1.225 kg/m³12.
- Practical Implications: Air density affects various phenomena, including aircraft lift, engine performance, and fan efficiency67.
- Measurement: Air density is typically measured in kg/m³ or lb/ft³, while specific weight is measured in N/m³ or lb/ft³13.
Understanding air density and its variations is crucial in many fields, including aviation, meteorology, HVAC systems, and various engineering applications. The relationship between temperature, pressure, humidity, and altitude all play important roles in determining the density and specific weight of air.