Question

Liquid sodium hypochlorite has a specific gravity of \(1.47 .\) What is the corresponding weight in pounds per gallon?

Short answer

12.26 pounds per gallon

Step-by-step solution

Understand Specific Gravity

Specific gravity (SG) is a ratio of the substance's density compared to that of water. In this case, the specific gravity of liquid sodium hypochlorite is 1.47, meaning it is 1.47 times denser than water.

Identify the Density of Water

The density of water is approximately 8.34 pounds per gallon at standard temperature and pressure.

Calculate the Weight per Gallon

To find the weight per gallon of liquid sodium hypochlorite, multiply the specific gravity by the density of water. Let: SG = 1.47 Density of water = 8.34 pounds per gallonWeight per gallon = SG * Density of water Weight per gallon = 1.47 * 8.34 Weight per gallon = 12.26 pounds per gallon

Key concepts

Specific Gravity Calculation

Specific gravity (SG) is a term frequently used in chemistry and physics. It compares the density of a given substance with the density of water. The formula for specific gravity is:
SG = \( \frac{\text{Density of substance}}{\text{Density of water}} \)
For example, if the specific gravity of liquid sodium hypochlorite is 1.47, it means that this liquid is 1.47 times as dense as water.

• Specific gravity is dimensionless; it does not have units because it is a ratio of two quantities with the same dimensions (density).
• It helps in determining how heavy a substance is compared to water, which is useful in various scientific and industrial applications.

In our exercise, we use the specific gravity to find out how much heavier sodium hypochlorite is relative to water. This is invaluable in contexts where precise weight measurements are necessary, such as in chemical formulation or processing industries.

Density of Water

The density of a substance is defined as its mass per unit volume. For water, this is often measured under standard conditions of temperature and pressure.

• The density of water at room temperature is approximately 8.34 pounds per gallon.
• This value can change slightly with temperature and pressure, but 8.34 pounds per gallon is a commonly accepted figure for many calculations.

Understanding the density of water is crucial because it serves as a reference point for calculating specific gravity and subsequently, the weight of other substances.
In this exercise, knowing the density of water allows us to utilize the specific gravity value effectively to find the weight per gallon of liquid sodium hypochlorite.

Weight Calculation

Weight calculation is an essential part of many scientific analyses, helping to determine how much of a substance is present in a given volume. To find the weight per gallon for a substance, you can use its specific gravity along with the density of water. The basic formula in our exercise is:
Weight per gallon = SG * Density of water
Substituting our known values: SG = 1.47 and Density of water = 8.34 pounds per gallon.
So, Weight per gallon = 1.47 * 8.34 = 12.26 pounds per gallon.

• This calculation shows how specific gravity can directly convert a qualitative relationship into a quantitative measure.
• Understanding and performing these calculations can help in a range of applications, from industrial processes to academic research.

By mastering these calculations, you can easily determine the weight of diverse substances, facilitating better planning and resource management in different scientific and practical contexts.