Specific Gravity Formula - Definition, Formula, Solved Questions
Specific Gravity Formula: Specific gravity is a versatile concept with applications in various fields, Understanding its definition, formula, and practical use is essential.
Murtaza Mushtaq13 Oct, 2023
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Specific Gravity Formula : Specific gravity, often denoted as SG, is a unitless measure that compares the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, usually water. It provides valuable information about the relative density of a material and is a vital parameter in various scientific and industrial applications.
Specific gravity is a fundamental concept with various practical applications in science, engineering, and everyday life. Here are some reasons why we need to understand and use specific gravity:- Buoyancy and Floatation: Specific gravity is crucial in determining whether an object will float or sink in a fluid. This property is vital in designing ships, submarines, and other floating structures.
- Purity and Quality Assessment: In various industries, specific gravity is used to assess the purity and quality of materials. It helps ensure that substances meet specific standards and criteria.
- Material Identification: Geologists and mineralogists use specific gravity to identify minerals. Different minerals have distinct specific gravity values, which aids in their classification.
Also Check - Critical Velocity Formula
Formula for Specific Gravity
Specific Gravity Formula: The specific gravity (SG) of a substance is calculated using the following formula: SG = (Density of Substance) / (Density of Water) In this formula, both the densities should be in the same units. Since the density of water is approximately 1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³, you can compare the substance's density to this standard value.Also Check - Impulse Formula
Solved Questions Of Specific Gravity Formula
Let's solve a few questions to understand how to apply the specific gravity formula.- Question: A metal cube has a volume of 500 cm³ and a mass of 2.5 kg. Calculate its specific gravity.
- Question: If the specific gravity of a substance is 0.85, what can you conclude about its density compared to water?
- Question: The specific gravity of a mineral sample is 4.2. What is its density if water has a density of 1000 kg/m³?
Also check - Rotatory Motion Formula
- Question: An object has a specific gravity of 0.6. Will it sink or float in water?
- Question: A liquid has a specific gravity of 0.9. Calculate its density if the density of water is 900 kg/m³.
- Question: If the specific gravity of a substance is 2.5, will it sink or float in water?
- Question: The specific gravity of a gas is 0.0012. What is the density of this gas if the density of air is approximately 1.225 kg/m³?
- Question: Calculate the specific gravity of a substance with a density of 3.8 g/cm³.
- Question: If the specific gravity of a material is 10, will it float or sink in water?
- Question: A rock has a specific gravity of 2.7. If its volume is 500 cm³, what is its mass?
Specific Gravity Formula FAQs
What is the significance of specific gravity in the context of buoyancy?
Specific gravity is crucial in determining whether an object will float or sink in a fluid. If the SG is greater than 1, the object will sink; if less than 1, it will float.
How does specific gravity relate to the strength of materials?
Specific gravity can indicate the purity and quality of materials. In some cases, higher specific gravity may correlate with greater strength.
Can the specific gravity of a substance change with temperature?
Yes, specific gravity can change with temperature as density is temperature-dependent. Accurate measurements should account for temperature variations.
Why is water commonly used as the reference substance for specific gravity?
Water's density is well-known and relatively constant, making it a practical reference point for specific gravity calculations.
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