
Define Relative Density. What is its SI unit?
Answer
418.5k+ views
Hint: The ratio of a substance's density (mass per unit volume) to the density of a specified reference material is known as relative density, or specific gravity. For liquids, the reference is almost always water at its densest temperature ( ) for gases, the reference is air at room temperature ( ).
Complete answer:
If the relative density of a substance is less than one, it is less dense than the reference, if it is larger than one, it is denser. The densities are equivalent if the relative density is exactly one, that is, equal volumes of the two substances have the same mass. A substance having a relative density (or specific gravity) less than will float in water if the reference material is water.
An ice cube, for example, with a relative density of will float. A substance sinks if its relative density is larger than one.
Relative density is a ratio so it has no units.Because the density of substances varies with temperature and pressure, the temperatures and pressures at which the densities or masses were obtained must be specified. Because relative density normally relates to highly incompressible aqueous solutions or other incompressible substances (such as petroleum products), fluctuations in density caused by pressure are usually ignored, at least where apparent relative density is being evaluated.
Note: Relative density can also be used to calculate a material's buoyancy in a fluid or gas, or to determine the density of an unknown substance based on the density of a known substance. Geologists and mineralogists frequently utilise relative density to determine the mineral composition of a rock or other sample. It is used by gemologists to aid in the identification of gemstones.
Complete answer:
If the relative density of a substance is less than one, it is less dense than the reference, if it is larger than one, it is denser. The densities are equivalent if the relative density is exactly one, that is, equal volumes of the two substances have the same mass. A substance having a relative density (or specific gravity) less than
An ice cube, for example, with a relative density of
Relative density is a ratio so it has no units.Because the density of substances varies with temperature and pressure, the temperatures and pressures at which the densities or masses were obtained must be specified. Because relative density normally relates to highly incompressible aqueous solutions or other incompressible substances (such as petroleum products), fluctuations in density caused by pressure are usually ignored, at least where apparent relative density is being evaluated.
Note: Relative density can also be used to calculate a material's buoyancy in a fluid or gas, or to determine the density of an unknown substance based on the density of a known substance. Geologists and mineralogists frequently utilise relative density to determine the mineral composition of a rock or other sample. It is used by gemologists to aid in the identification of gemstones.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 8 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 8 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹42,330 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

State and prove Bernoullis theorem class 11 physics CBSE

In which part of the body the blood is purified oxygenation class 11 biology CBSE

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

Find the value of the expression given below sin 30circ class 11 maths CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells
