You have a sample of granite with density 174.8 lbs/ft3. The density of water is 62.4 lbs/ft3. What is the specific gravity of the granite now? (2 pts
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
To find the specific gravity of granite, use the formula:Specific Gravity=Density of the substanceDensity of water\text{Specific Gravity} = \frac{\text{Density of the substance}}{\text{Density of water}}Specific Gravity=Density of waterDensity of the substance
Given:
- Density of granite = 174.8 lb/ft³
- Density of water = 62.4 lb/ft³
Specific Gravity=174.862.4≈2.80\text{Specific Gravity} = \frac{174.8}{62.4} \approx 2.80Specific Gravity=62.4174.8≈2.80
Answer: 2.80
Explanation:
Specific gravity is a dimensionless ratio that compares the density of a substance to the density of water. This means that the units cancel out and you’re left with a pure number. This comparison helps scientists, engineers, and builders understand how heavy or light a material is in relation to water.
In this question, granite is being compared to water. The density of water is a known standard at 62.4 pounds per cubic foot under standard conditions. Granite has a much higher density because it is a solid rock composed of tightly packed mineral crystals like quartz, feldspar, and mica.
By dividing the density of granite by the density of water:174.8 lb/ft362.4 lb/ft3=2.80\frac{174.8 \, \text{lb/ft}^3}{62.4 \, \text{lb/ft}^3} = 2.8062.4lb/ft3174.8lb/ft3=2.80
you find that granite is 2.80 times as dense as water.
Understanding specific gravity is useful in many fields. In construction and civil engineering, knowing the specific gravity of building materials like granite helps in determining the weight load on structures. In geology, specific gravity aids in identifying minerals and rocks. Since granite has a specific gravity of 2.80, it is classified as a heavy material, making it suitable for foundations and other structural applications where strength and durability are required.
In summary, the specific gravity of 2.80 means granite is nearly three times denser than water, reflecting its solid and durable nature
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