Which liquid has the lowest specific gravity?
| Liquid | Mass (grams) | Volume (liters) |
| Sulfuric Acid | 920 | 0.5 |
| Benzene | 876.5 | 1 |
| Propanol | 1205 | 1.5 |
| Water | 2000 | 2 |
A) Sulfuric Acid
B) Benzene
C) Propanol
D) Water
Explanation
This question is testing you ability to calculate the specific gravity of a substance given the mass and volume. To answer this question, you must know that specific gravity is equal to the density of the substance divided by the density of water. Therefore, the liquid with the lowest specific gravity will have the lowest density.
To solve for density, you must take the mass and divide it by the volume.
ρsulfuric acid = mass/volume = (920 g)/(0.5 L) =1840 g/L
ρbenzene = mass/volume = (876.5 g)/(1 L) = 876.5 g/L
ρpropanol = mass/volume = (1205 g)/(1.5 L) = 803.33 g/L
ρwater = mass/volume = (2000 g)/(2 L) = 1000 g/L
The liquid with the lowest density and thus the lowest specific gravity is propanol making C the correct answer.
Want more MCAT practice?
We’ve got options for every schedule and learning style!
From the best online MCAT course created by top instructors with 524+ MCAT scores to the most representative full-length practice exams and private tutoring, we can custom tailor your MCAT prep to your goals!
Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free MCAT consultation with an MCAT Advisor using the form below. No obligation, just expert advice.