If a liquid has a specific gravity of more than 1, what will happen to it in water?

A liquid with a specific gravity greater than 1 indicates that it is denser than water. Specific gravity is a measure of density relative to the density of water, which has a specific gravity of 1. When a substance has a specific gravity higher than this threshold, it means that the mass of that substance is greater than the same volume of water.

When placed in water, such a liquid will sink because the gravitational force acting on it is greater than the buoyant force exerted by the water. This results in the liquid descending through the water rather than floating on the surface. Understanding specific gravity is crucial for hazardous materials handling and spill response, as it helps responders predict how a substance will behave in different environments and facilitates appropriate emergency response strategies.