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Thermodynamic relation[edit]
Strictly speaking, the bulk modulus is a thermodynamic quantity, and in order to specify a
bulk modulus it is necessary to specify how the pressure varies during compression:
constant-temperature (isothermal ), constant-entropy (isentropic ), and other variations are
possible. Such distinctions are especially relevant for gases.
For an ideal gas, an isentropic process has:
where is the heat capacity ratio. Therefore, the isentropic bulk modulus is given by
Similarly, an isothermal process of an ideal gas has:
Therefore, the isothermal bulk modulus is given by
.
When the gas is not ideal, these equations give only an approximation of
the bulk modulus. In a fluid, the bulk modulus and the density determine
the speed of sound (pressure waves), according to the Newton-Laplace
formula
In solids, and have very similar values. Solids can also
sustain transverse waves: for these materials one additional elastic
modulus, for example the shear modulus, is needed to determine wave
speeds.
Measurement[edit]
It is possible to measure the bulk modulus using powder
diffraction under applied pressure. It is a property of a fluid which shows
its ability to change its volume under its pressure.
Selected values[edit]
Approximate bulk modulus (K) for common materials
Bulk modulus
Material Bulk modulus in Mpsi
in GPa
Limestone 65 9.4
Granite 50 7.3
Glass (see also diagram
35 to 55 5.8
below table)
Graphite 2H (single
34 4.9
crystal)[4]
Shale 10 1.5
Chalk 9 1.3
Solid heliu
50 MPa (approximate)
m
Microscopic origin[edit]
Interatomic potential and linear elasticity[edit]
Interatomic potential and force