Specific gravity: sink or float?
An object has a mass of 300 g and a volume of 120 cm³. What is its specific gravity, and what does it do in water?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
This inverts the ratio (V/m).
B
The density is right, but an object denser than water sinks.
C
This inverts the ratio, and an SG below 1 would float.
D
Correct. ρ = 300/120 = 2.5 g/cm³, and SG = 2.5/1.0 = 2.5. Anything denser than water sinks.
TakeawaySG = ρ/ρwater. Above 1 sinks, below 1 floats.
Equation usedDensity and specific gravity
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