1. What is Specific Gravity?

Specific Gravity (SG) is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance (typically water at 4°C). It indicates how dense a liquid is compared to water.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Specific Gravity formula:

Where:

• \( Density_{liquid} \) — Density of the liquid being measured (kg/m³ or lb/ft³)
• \( Density_{water} \) — Density of reference water (typically 1000 kg/m³ or 62.4 lb/ft³)

Explanation: The formula calculates how many times denser the liquid is compared to water. A value of 1 means the liquid has the same density as water.

3. Importance of Specific Gravity Calculation

Details: Specific gravity is crucial in various industries including chemistry, petroleum, brewing, and pharmaceuticals. It helps identify substances, determine concentration, and assess purity of liquids.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the density of your liquid and the reference water density. Standard water density is 1000 kg/m³. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a specific gravity less than 1 indicate?
A: A value less than 1 means the liquid is less dense than water and will float on water.

Q2: What does a specific gravity greater than 1 indicate?
A: A value greater than 1 means the liquid is denser than water and will sink in water.

Q3: Why is water density typically 1000 kg/m³?
A: This is the density of pure water at 4°C, which is the temperature at which water reaches its maximum density.

Q4: Can I use different units for density?
A: Yes, but both densities must be in the same units (both kg/m³ or both lb/ft³) for the calculation to be accurate.

Q5: What industries commonly use specific gravity measurements?
A: Brewing, winemaking, petroleum, chemical manufacturing, and quality control in various industrial processes.