specific gravity

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-026331",
  "term": "specific gravity",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The dimensionless ratio of the density of a substance with respect to the density of water. The specific gravity of water is equal to 1.0 by definition. Most petroleum products have a specific gravity less than 1.0, generally between 0.6 and 0.9. As such, they will float on water--these are also referred to as LNAPLs, or light non-aqueous phase liquids. Substances with a specific gravity greater than 1.0 will sink through water--these are referred to as DNAPLs, or dense non-aqueous phase liquids.\n\n2. Weight of a particle, substance, or chemical solution in relation to the weight of water. Water has a specific gravity of 1.000 at 4 degrees C (39 degrees F). Particulates in raw water may have a specific gravity of 1.005 to 2.5.\n\n3. The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water.\n\n4. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of the material of interest (such as oilfield brine) to the density of fresh water. When used for gases, the term usually means the ratio of the density of the gas of interest to that of air. Specific gravity is used in the calculation of the maximum injection pressure.",
  "abbreviation": "SG",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "Underground Storage Tank Sites Guide Glossary; Glossary of Technical Terms: Office of Underground Storage Tanks",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Oil Pollution Prevention Glossary",
    "Underground Injection Control Terms"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/specific-gravity/"
}