It is the difference between the density of a bulk sample, and the density of a homogenous piece of the material being measured.
The difference between the density of a pile of gravel, and one stone from the pile, for example. the pile is less dense.
Or styrofoam peanuts versus polystyrene plastic, the same material in a different form.
Used more in engineering, for things like earthfill, coal hauling, etc.
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Density refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume, while bulk density is the mass of a mixture or material divided by its total volume including voids. Bulk density takes into account the space between particles and is often used in industries such as agriculture and mining to estimate the amount of material that can be stored or transported.
Bulk density is more useful because it accounts for the spaces between particles in a material, reflecting how closely packed the material is in real-world applications. Particle density only considers the intrinsic density of the material itself and does not provide information on how the material behaves in a bulk form. Therefore, bulk density is more relevant for practical purposes such as determining flow properties, storage requirements, or compaction characteristics.
Bulk density is more meaningful in agriculture because it incorporates the pore space between soil particles, which affects root development, water infiltration, and aeration. Particle density, on the other hand, only accounts for the density of soil particles without considering the spaces between them. Therefore, bulk density gives a more accurate representation of soil structure and its impact on plant growth.
Bulk density refers to the mass of a material per unit volume including the voids present, while true density refers to the mass of a material per unit volume excluding any voids or pores. Bulk density is typically lower than true density due to the inclusion of void spaces. True density gives a more accurate measure of the material's mass per unit volume.
Factors that affect bulk density include particle size, shape, and compaction, moisture content, and the arrangement of particles within a given volume. Additionally, the nature and density of the material itself, as well as the presence of air gaps or pores, can influence bulk density.
The bulk density of perspex (also known as acrylic) typically ranges from 1.17 to 1.20 grams per cubic centimeter.