What is the specific gravity of water?

What is the specific gravity of water?

• A. 0.9
• B. 1.0
• C. 1.2
• D. 1.5

Answer: (B)

The specific gravity of water is defined as 1.0 at standard temperature and pressure conditions. Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of water. Since water is the reference substance for measurement, its specific gravity is established at this value, signifying that it is the baseline for measuring the specific gravities of other substances. If a substance has a specific gravity less than 1.0, it will float in water, and if it is greater than 1.0, it will sink. This fundamental concept is crucial in various applications, including fluid mechanics and material science, where understanding the behavior of liquids and their interaction with different materials is essential.

The specific gravity of water is defined as 1.0 at standard temperature and pressure conditions. Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of water. Since water is the reference substance for measurement, its specific gravity is established at this value, signifying that it is the baseline for measuring the specific gravities of other substances. If a substance has a specific gravity less than 1.0, it will float in water, and if it is greater than 1.0, it will sink. This fundamental concept is crucial in various applications, including fluid mechanics and material science, where understanding the behavior of liquids and their interaction with different materials is essential.