SPECIFIC GRAVITY Meaning and
Definition
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Specific gravity is a term used in physics and engineering to describe the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at a specified temperature and pressure. It is a dimensionless quantity that provides insight into the relative heaviness or lightness of a material compared to water.
Specific gravity is calculated by dividing the density of the substance by the density of water, both measured in the same units. Since the density of water is known to be 1 gram per cubic centimeter at around 4 degrees Celsius, substances with a specific gravity greater than 1 are denser than water, while those with a specific gravity less than 1 are less dense.
Specific gravity is a crucial parameter for various applications, particularly in industries like mining, geology, and material science. It helps determine the concentration of solids in liquids, the purity of substances, and the identification of minerals. In addition, specific gravity plays a role in determining the buoyancy and floatability of objects, as objects with a specific gravity less than 1 will float, while those with a specific gravity greater than 1 will sink.
By measuring the specific gravity of a substance, scientists and engineers can gain a deeper understanding of its properties, behavior, and potential applications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The ratio which the weight of any substance bears to the weight of an equal bulk of pure water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPECIFIC GRAVITY
- apecific gravity
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- dpecific gravity
- epecific gravity
- wpecific gravity
- soecific gravity
- slecific gravity
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- spwcific gravity
- spscific gravity
- spdcific gravity
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- spexific gravity
- spevific gravity
- spefific gravity
Etymology of SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The word "specific gravity" has its roots in Latin and Greek. The term "specific" comes from the Latin word "specificus", which means "particular" or "peculiar". The word "gravity" has its origins in the Latin word "gravitas", which means "heaviness" or "weight".
The concept of specific gravity was first introduced by Archimedes, an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, and engineer. The Greek word "spé̱siphikós" (σπεσιφικός) means "relative to weight" and "heavy".
Over time, these Latin and Greek words were combined to form the term "specific gravity". It is used to refer to the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance (usually water), as a means of determining the relative heaviness or weight of that substance.
Similar spelling words for SPECIFIC GRAVITY
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