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662 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers III
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Density/Specific Gravity

The density of a substance is its mass per unit volume, commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc).

Specific Gravity
  • If the specific gravity of a substance is greater than 1 it will sink in water.
  • The substance will float if its specific gravity is less than 1.

This is an important factor to consider when evaluating mitigation and treatment methods.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-4. What will a substance do if it has a specific gravity less than one (1)?