What is relative density?

Relative density, also known as specific gravity, is a measurement that compares the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water. It is a dimensionless quantity, and is often used to determine the purity or composition of a substance.

The relative density of a substance is calculated by dividing its density by the density of the reference substance. A substance with a relative density less than 1 will float on the reference substance, while a substance with a relative density greater than 1 will sink.

Relative density is an important property in many industries, such as mining, construction, and chemistry. It can be used to determine the concentration of a solution, the composition of a material, or the purity of a substance.

The measurement of relative density is typically performed using a hydrometer or a pycnometer. It is an important factor in many scientific and engineering calculations, and can provide valuable information about the physical properties of a substance.