Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning S

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

specific gravity

Weight of a particle, substance, or chemical solution in relation to the weight of an equal volume of water for liquids or solids or air for gases. Water has a specific gravity of 1.000 at 39°F (4°C). Air has a specific gravity of 1.0. Particulates with specific gravity less than 1.0 float to the surface and particulates with specific gravity greater than 1.0 sink.