What is the specific gravity of pure water at 4 °C?

The specific gravity of pure water at 4 °C is 1.0. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water for liquids. At 4 °C, water reaches its maximum density, approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Therefore, when comparing the density of pure water to itself, the ratio is 1, which translates to a specific gravity of 1.0.

This value is important in various applications, such as determining how substances will float or sink in water, and it serves as a standard reference point for the specific gravities of other materials. Understanding that water's specific gravity is set at 1.0 allows professionals in water treatment and analysis to make accurate assessments of various chemicals and solutions relative to water.