Understanding Specific Gravity vs. Weight: Key Differences Explained

Learn the crucial differences between specific gravity and weight in this informative video.

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No, specific gravity is not equal to weight. Specific gravity is a ratio comparing the density of a substance to the density of water. Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted by gravity on an object's mass. They are fundamentally different measurements.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the formula for specific gravity? Specific gravity is calculated by dividing the density of the substance by the density of water.
  2. How does weight differ from mass? Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass, while mass is the amount of matter in an object.
  3. Why is specific gravity important? Specific gravity is important in various applications such as material selection, buoyancy calculations, and in industries like mining and oil.
  4. Can specific gravity be greater than 1? Yes, substances with a specific gravity greater than 1 are denser than water and will sink when placed in it.