Bulk Modulus (B = -p/(ΔV/V) = -pV/ΔV)
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B = -p/(ΔV/V) = -pV/ΔV
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| B | Bulk modulus (Pa) |
| V | Original volume (m³) |
| p | Hydraulic pressure applied uniformly (Pa) |
| ΔV | Change in volume (m³, negative for compression) |
When to use this
Applicable to solids, liquids, and gases. Negative sign ensures B is always positive (pressure increase → volume decrease). Compressibility k = 1/B. Solids have largest B, gases smallest. For water B ≈ 2.2 × 10⁹ Pa, for air B ≈ 1.0 × 10⁵ Pa.