This section is from the book "Applied Science For Metal Workers", by William H. Dooley. Also available from Amazon: Applied Science For Metal Workers.
The specific gravity of a substance is the number of times it is heavier than the weight of an equal bulk of water. It may be expressed thus:
Specific gravity (sp. gr.) | = | Weight of body or substance |
Weight of an equal bulk of water |
The specific gravity of a solid is obtained by first weighing or computing the weight of the object. The weight of an equal bulk of water is then computed. Finally, the weight of the object is divided by the weight of the equal bulk of water.
The following tables show the weights and specific gravities of the most important metals and liquids.
Weight and Specific Gravity of Metals
Metals | W. per Cu. Ft., Lbs. | W. per Cu. In., Lbs. | Specific Gravity |
Aluminum.............................. | 166 | .096 | 2.67 |
Antimony, cast........................ | 419 | .242 | 6.72 |
Bismuth.............................. | 613 | .353 | 9.822 |
Brass, Cast............................ | 524 | .3 | 8.4 |
Bronze............................... | 534 | .308 | 8.561 |
Copper, cast............................ | 537 | .31 | 8.607 |
Copper, wire.......................... | 555 | .32 | 8.9 |
Gold, 24 carat......................... | 1208 | .697 | 19.361 |
Cold, standard......................... | 1106 | .638 | 17.724 |
Gun-metal............................ | 528 | .304 | 8.459 |
Weight and Specific Gravity of Metals - (Continued)
Metals | W. per Cu. Ft., Lbs. | W. per Cu. In., Lbs. | Specific Gravity |
Iron, cast................. | 450 | .26 | 7.21 |
Iron, wrought.............. | 485 | .28 | 7.78 |
Lead, cast................. | 708 | .408 | 11.36 |
Lead, rolled............... | 711 | .41 | 11.41 |
Mercury.................. | 849 | .489 | 13.596 |
Platinum.................. | 1344 | .775 | 21.531 |
Platinum, sheet............ | 1436 | .828 | 23. |
Silver, pure................ | 654 | .377 | 10.474 |
Silver, standard............ | 644 | .371 | 10.312 |
Steel...................... | 490 | .284 | 7.85 |
Tin, cast.................. | 455 | .262 | 7.291 |
Zinc...................... | 437 | .252 | 7. |
Weight and Specific Gravity of Liquids
Liquids | Specific Gravity | W. per Cu. In., Lbs. | W. per Gal., Lbs. |
Water, distilled, 60° F...... | 1. | .036 | 8.33 |
Water, sea................ | 1.03 | .037 | 8.55 |
Water, Dead Sea........... | 1.24 | .045 | 10.4 |
Acid, Acetic............... | 1.062 | .038 | 8.78 |
Acid, Nitric............... | 1.217 | .044 | 10.16 |
Acid, Sulphuric............ | 1.841 | .067 | 15.48 |
Acid, Muriatic............. | 1.2 | .043 | 9.93 |
Alcohol, pure.............. | .792 | .029 | 6.7 |
Alcohol, proof............. | .916 | .033 | 7.62 |
Alcohol, of commerce....... | .833 | .030 | 6.93 |
Cider..................... | 1.018 | .036 | 8.4 |
Honey.................... | 1.45 | .052 | 12. |
Weight and Specific Gravity of Liquids - (Continued)
Liquids | Specific Gravity | W. per Cu. In., Lbs. | W. per. Gal., Lbs. |
Milk..................... | 1.032 | .037 | 8.55 |
Molasses.................. | 1.426 | .05 | 11.66 |
Oil, Linseed............... | .940 | .034 | 7.85 |
Oil, Olive................. | .915 | .033 | 7.62 |
Oil, Turpentine............ | .870 | .031 | 7.16 |
Oil, Whale................ | .923 | .033 | 7.65 |
Naphtha.................. | .848 | .031 | 7. |
Petroleum.,............... | .878 | .032 | 7.39 |
Tar...................... | 1.015 | .036 | 8.4 |
Water. - The weight of fresh water is in practice usually assumed as 62 1/2 lbs. per cubic foot. But 62 1/4 would be nearer the truth at ordinary temperatures, about 70°; or 1 lb. = 27.759 cu. in.
 
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