Nautical Term: Specific gravity
Definition of Specific gravity
Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of any substance to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water. It is calculated by dividing the first weight by the second.
For instance, a cubic foot of steel, which weighs approximately 62.5 pounds, is denser than distilled water, which has a density of approximately 62.4 pounds per cubic foot. Therefore, the specific gravity of steel is greater than one, and a cubic foot of steel will sink in water.
In summary, specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water. It is calculated by dividing the first weight by the second. For example, steel has a specific gravity greater than one and will sink in water.
Explore other nautical terms:
