a. What is the specific gravity of the following solution?

Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4°C. It is calculated by dividing the density of the substance by the density of water. A specific gravity less than 1 indicates that the substance is less dense than water, while a value greater than 1 indicates it is denser.

Density is defined as mass per unit volume and is a key property of materials. It can be measured using various methods, including the use of a graduated cylinder, where the mass of a known volume of liquid is compared to the mass of an equal volume of water. Understanding how to measure density is crucial for calculating specific gravity.

A graduated cylinder is a common laboratory instrument used to measure the volume of liquids accurately. It features marked increments along its length, allowing for precise readings of liquid levels. In the context of specific gravity, the graduated cylinder can be used to determine the volume of the liquid being measured, which is essential for calculating its density.