What Does Unit Weight (kN/m^3) Mean?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of unit weight, specifically in the context of materials like aluminium. Unit weight is defined as weight per unit volume, measured in kN/m³, contrasting with density, which is measured in kg/m³. The unit weight of aluminium is stated as 24 kN/m³, which corresponds to its weight under standard gravity. The relationship between unit weight and density is established through the formula γ = ρ * g, where γ is unit weight, ρ is density, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

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What Does Unit Weight (kN/m^3) Mean?
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What Does Unit Weight (kN/m^3) Mean?
Hello

This is a really silly question but I have doubted myself and I was wondering if anyone could help.

I have been given the following information:-
Unit Weights.png
I am trying to understand what it means when the title states Unit Weights?

I thought these were density but density is kg/m^3 - whereas these units are kN/m^3

What does it mean to say that the unit weight of Aluminium is 24 kN/m^3

Can someone help?

Thank you.
 
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Seems to be weight per volume under standard gravity. The aluminium value seems off though based on aluminium having a density of 2700 kg/m^3.
 
tomtomtom1 said:
What does it mean to say that the unit weight of Aluminium is 24 kN/m^3

Can someone help?

Thank you.

Why wouldn't that mean that a cubic metre of aluminium weighs 24kN?

Weight being a force is measured in Newtons, as opposed to mass which is measured in kilograms.
 
Unit weight simply refers to weight per unit volume. It is often denoted as lower case gamma, If rho is the density, then gamma = rho * g.
 
Isn't Unit Weight and Density the same thing?
 
Only if mass and weight are the same thing (which they are not).
 
tomtomtom1 said:
Isn't Unit Weight and Density the same thing?
If and when you work on constructing a colony on Mars, you'll discover the difference.
 

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