specific gravity

views updated May 08 2018

specific gravity (sp. gr.) The ratio of the weight of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of water, expressed as a number. For example, the weight of a given volume of quartz, with a specific gravity of 2.65, is 2.65 times that of the same volume of water. The average sp. gr. of metallic minerals is about 5. See also DENSITY.

specific gravity

views updated May 18 2018

specific gravity (grav-iti) n. see relative density.

specific gravity

views updated May 18 2018

specific gravity (sp. gr.) See relative density (r.d.)