Specific weight of iron, properties, applications and values table
Iron is an element of the eighth group of the secondary subgroup of the corresponding table of elements and is one of the most common metals in the Earth’s crust, ranking second after aluminum. Iron in its simple form is a malleable white metal with a silvery shade. This type of material has a high ability to undergo chemical reactions, especially corrosion in air at high humidity and temperature. In pure oxygen, iron in its simple form burns. In a finely dispersed state, it can ignite spontaneously in air.
Usually, the name iron refers to its various alloys with an impurity content of up to 0.8 percent. These impurities make it possible to improve the ductility and softness of the pure metal. Carbon alloys are used: steels with a carbon content of up to 2.14 percent and cast irons with a carbon content of more than 2.14 percent, as well as alloys with the addition of alloying metals. In its pure form, iron is very rarely found in nature, more often in iron-type nickel meteorites. In terms of abundance in the world, it ranks fourth.
Table of the specific weight of iron
Since iron is a complex material, it is not possible to calculate the weight of iron, namely its specific weight, independently in field conditions. These calculations are carried out in specialized chemical laboratories. However, the average specific weight of iron is known and is 7.874 g/cm3.
To simplify calculations, below is a table with the values of the specific weight of iron, as well as its weight depending on the units of calculation.
Table of iron weight
| Material | Specific weight (g/cm3) | Weight of 1 m3 (kg) |
| Iron | 7.874 | 7874 |
Properties of iron
Iron is a typical white metal with a silvery and grayish shade. It has good ductility, pronounced magnetic properties, and also changes its properties well under the influence of impurities. Magnetism is characteristic of iron.
This type of element is divided into four modifications according to its crystal structure:
- Alpha iron. This type of iron has ferromagnetic properties with a body-centered cubic lattice structure. Iron remains in this state up to 769 degrees Celsius.
- Beta iron. This type of iron differs from the previous one only in magnetic properties and lattice parameters. Iron acquires this state in the range from 769 to 917 degrees Celsius.
- Gamma iron. The difference of this type lies in the structure of the lattice: it changes from a body-centered state to a face-centered one. This type is characteristic of temperatures from 917 to 1394 degrees Celsius.
- Delta iron. It differs only in lattice parameters and forms above 1394 degrees Celsius.
Approximately about 95 percent of all metallurgical production is accounted for by iron, which makes it one of the most in-demand metals in the world. The main areas include:
- Using iron as the main component of cast irons and steel
- Using it in alloys based on other components
- Using iron oxide to manufacture long-term computer memory devices
- Iron powder is used as toner in black-and-white laser printers
- Application in the production of electric motors and transformers
- Use in the etching process for printed circuit boards
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of iron be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for iron in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of iron differ from the table?
The actual weight of iron depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of iron from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of iron is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.