Converting Units: From l·min to kg·s
This task requires understanding the units involved and applying appropriate conversion factors. The question asks for converting a unit of volume and time (liters per minute, l·min) to a unit of mass and time (kilograms per second, kg·s). This isn't a direct conversion; it necessitates additional information. We need to know the density of the substance being measured.
Understanding the Units
- l·min (liters per minute): This represents a volumetric flow rate – the volume of a substance passing a point per unit of time.
- kg·s (kilograms per second): This represents a mass flow rate – the mass of a substance passing a point per unit of time.
The Conversion Process
To convert from l·min to kg·s, we need to follow these steps:
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Density: We need the density (ρ) of the substance. Density is mass per unit volume (ρ = mass/volume), typically expressed in kg/l.
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Volume to Mass: Multiply the volumetric flow rate (in l·min) by the density (in kg/l). This cancels out the liters (l), leaving us with a mass flow rate in kg/min.
Mass flow rate (kg/min) = Volumetric flow rate (l/min) * Density (kg/l) -
Minutes to Seconds: Convert the mass flow rate from kg/min to kg/s by dividing by 60 (since there are 60 seconds in a minute).
Mass flow rate (kg/s) = Mass flow rate (kg/min) / 60
Example
Let's say we have a volumetric flow rate of 10 l/min of water. The density of water is approximately 1 kg/l.
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Mass flow rate (kg/min): 10 l/min * 1 kg/l = 10 kg/min
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Mass flow rate (kg/s): 10 kg/min / 60 s/min = 0.167 kg/s (approximately)
Therefore, 10 l/min of water is equivalent to approximately 0.167 kg/s.
Important Note: This conversion is highly dependent on the density of the substance. Different substances have different densities. Without knowing the density, a precise conversion from l·min to kg·s is impossible. Always ensure you have the correct density for the substance you are working with.
