What is the term used to describe the weight of a substance compared to an equal amount of another standard substance?

The term "specific gravity" refers to the ratio of the weight of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of a standard substance, which is typically water for liquids and solids. This measure is dimensionless and helps to compare the density of a substance with that of a reference material under the same conditions. Specific gravity is particularly useful in various scientific and medical contexts, as it allows for easy determination of whether a substance will float or sink when placed in a fluid.

Specific gravity is calculated by dividing the density of the substance by the density of the standard substance, allowing professionals to assess the characteristics of materials in health science, materials science, and various engineering applications. Understanding specific gravity can assist in making decisions about treatments or material usage within health sciences, among other fields.