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Mechanics
Mechanics

Bulk Modulus

B=−ΔPΔV/VB = -\frac{\Delta P}{\Delta V / V}

Bulk modulus measures a material's resistance to uniform compression.

Variables

B
Bulk modulus
Resistance to compression
Pa
ΔP
Change in pressure
Applied pressure change
Pa
ΔV
Change in volume
Volume change
m³
V
Original volume
Initial volume
m³

Derivation

B = -V(dP/dV). The negative sign ensures B is positive since ΔV is negative for positive ΔP.

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Common questions

What is the Bulk Modulus formula?

Bulk Modulus is written B = -ΔP/ΔV / V. Bulk modulus measures a material's resistance to uniform compression. It belongs to Mechanics, under Dynamics.

What are the units in B = -ΔP/ΔV / V?

In SI units, B is bulk modulus, measured in N/m²; ΔP is change in pressure, measured in N/m²; ΔV is change in volume, measured in m³; V is original volume, measured in m³.

How is the Bulk Modulus formula derived?

B = -V(dP/dV). The negative sign ensures B is positive since ΔV is negative for positive ΔP. The result is B = -ΔP/ΔV / V.