Question 1

Which of the following best describes the definition of specific gravity (S.G.)?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water at the same temperature.

Question 2

A urine sample has a specific gravity of 1.50. What does this indicate about the urine?

Accepted Answer

The urine is more dense than water, possibly due to improper kidney function.

Question 3

If the specific gravity of a liquid is 0.50, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The liquid is half as dense as water.

Question 4

Which of the following is true about specific gravity (S.G.)?

Accepted Answer

S.G. is a unitless quantity.

Question 5

A syrup has a density of $$1.20 \ \mathrm{g/mL}. $$What is its specific gravity?

Accepted Answer

$$1.20$$

Question 6

If a urine sample has a specific gravity significantly greater than 1.00, what might this suggest about the patient's health?

Accepted Answer

The urine contains more dissolved particles, possibly indicating improper kidney function.

Question 7

Given a mass of $$20.4 \ \mathrm{g} of $$mercury and the density of mercury is $$13.6 \ \mathrm{g/mL}$$, what is the volume of mercury?

Accepted Answer

$$1.50 \ \mathrm{mL}$$

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct use of specific gravity as a conversion factor?

Accepted Answer

$$1.20 \ \mathrm{g}$$ syrup / 1 \ \mathrm{mL}$ syrup

Question 9

A patient’s urine has a specific gravity of 1.00. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The urine has the same density as water, indicating normal kidney function.

Question 10

If you have 5.0 mL of a liquid with a specific gravity of 1.20, what is the mass of the liquid?

Accepted Answer

$$6.0 \ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 11

Why must both densities in a specific gravity calculation be reported at the same temperature?

Accepted Answer

Because the density of water changes with temperature, affecting the ratio.

Question 12

A solution has a density of $$0.95 \ \mathrm{g/mL}. $$What is its specific gravity?

Accepted Answer

$$0.95$$

Question 13

Which of the following statements about specific gravity is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Specific gravity is always greater than 1 for all substances.

Question 14

A urine sample is found to have a specific gravity of 1.03. What is the density of the urine in $$\mathrm{g/mL}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$1.03 \ \mathrm{g/mL}$$

Question 15

If a patient’s urine contains a high concentration of proteins, what effect would this have on the specific gravity of the urine?

Accepted Answer

It would increase the specific gravity.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why specific gravity is useful in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

It provides a quick assessment of the concentration of solutes in urine, which can indicate kidney function.

Question 17

A sample of cough syrup has a specific gravity of 1.20. How many grams of syrup are in 10.0 mL?

Accepted Answer

$$12.0 \ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about specific gravity?

Accepted Answer

Specific gravity is always reported with units.

Question 19

If a liquid has a specific gravity of 2.00, what can you conclude about its density?

Accepted Answer

Its density is $$2.00 \ \mathrm{g/mL}.$$

Question 20

A patient’s urine sample has a specific gravity of 1.00. Which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

The urine is as dense as water, indicating normal kidney function.

Specific Gravity and Density: Concepts and Applications in GOB Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions