Specific Gravity

Term: Specific GravityDefinition: The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water for liquids and air for gases. For solids, it is often compared to water.Phonetic Pronunciation: (spuh-SIF-ik GRAV-i-tee)Origin: The term "specific gravity" comes from the Latin words "specificus," meaning "of a species" or "peculiar," and "gravitas," meaning "weight" or "heaviness." It was first used in the 17th century to describe the relative densities of minerals and other substances.Significance in Asbestos Context: Specific gravity is significant in the identification and classification of asbestos minerals. Different types of asbestos have varying specific gravities, which can help in distinguishing them from other minerals and in understanding their behavior and potential health risks when inhaled.Example Sentence: The specific gravity of chrysotile asbestos, which ranges from 2.5 to 2.6, is used by researchers to differentiate it from other minerals in environmental samples.Related Terms: Density, Mineral Identification, Chrysotile, Amphibole, BuoyancyNotes: - Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity. - It is not the same as density, though they are related. - Specific gravity can be measured using a hydrometer or by comparing weights in air and a liquid.