A liquid with a specific gravity less than 1 will what when placed in water?

A liquid with a specific gravity less than 1 will what when placed in water?

• A. A liquid with a specific gravity less than 1 will sink in water.
• B. A liquid with a specific gravity less than 1 will float on water.
• C. It will dissolve in water.
• D. It will evaporate immediately.

Answer: (B)

Specific gravity is a way to compare a liquid’s density to that of water. If the liquid’s SG is less than 1, it is lighter than water. In water, a lighter-than-water liquid will not sink; instead, it will stay on top or form a surface layer because the denser water supports it. This buoyant behavior is the key idea: lighter liquids float on water, while heavier ones sink. The fact that SG is less than 1 doesn’t automatically tell you about solubility or volatility—those properties are separate from buoyancy.

Specific gravity is a way to compare a liquid’s density to that of water. If the liquid’s SG is less than 1, it is lighter than water. In water, a lighter-than-water liquid will not sink; instead, it will stay on top or form a surface layer because the denser water supports it. This buoyant behavior is the key idea: lighter liquids float on water, while heavier ones sink. The fact that SG is less than 1 doesn’t automatically tell you about solubility or volatility—those properties are separate from buoyancy.