If a liquid sinks in water, its specific gravity is greater than water.

If a liquid sinks in water, its specific gravity is greater than water.

• A. Less than 1
• B. Greater than 1
• C. Equal to 1
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that specific gravity is a comparison of density to water. Specific gravity is the liquid’s density divided by the density of water. Since water has a density of 1 (in the same units), a liquid that is denser than water will have a specific gravity greater than 1 and will sink when placed in water. So, if a liquid sinks, its specific gravity must be greater than water, meaning it is greater than 1. If a liquid were less dense than water, it would float (specific gravity less than 1); if it were the same density, it would be neutrally buoyant (specific gravity = 1). This helps explain spill behavior: heavier-than-water liquids tend to sink, while lighter-than-water liquids tend to rise to the surface.

The key idea is that specific gravity is a comparison of density to water. Specific gravity is the liquid’s density divided by the density of water. Since water has a density of 1 (in the same units), a liquid that is denser than water will have a specific gravity greater than 1 and will sink when placed in water. So, if a liquid sinks, its specific gravity must be greater than water, meaning it is greater than 1. If a liquid were less dense than water, it would float (specific gravity less than 1); if it were the same density, it would be neutrally buoyant (specific gravity = 1). This helps explain spill behavior: heavier-than-water liquids tend to sink, while lighter-than-water liquids tend to rise to the surface.