Which is lighter, water or liquid propane?

Which is lighter, water or liquid propane?

• A. Water
• B. Liquid propane
• C. They weigh the same
• D. Vapor propane

Answer: (B)

Liquid propane is indeed lighter than water. To understand why, it’s important to consider the specific gravities of both substances. The specific gravity of water is 1.0, which means that it has a density of approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). In contrast, liquid propane has a specific gravity of around 0.5, indicating that it has a density of about 0.5 g/cm³. This means that liquid propane is less dense than water, and thus, when comparing equal volumes, liquid propane will weigh less than water. This property is significant in practical applications, such as when liquid propane is stored or transported—it will float on water and can be easier to handle in certain situations. Understanding the density differences between liquids is crucial for safe handling and effective use in propane systems.

Liquid propane is indeed lighter than water. To understand why, it’s important to consider the specific gravities of both substances. The specific gravity of water is 1.0, which means that it has a density of approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). In contrast, liquid propane has a specific gravity of around 0.5, indicating that it has a density of about 0.5 g/cm³. This means that liquid propane is less dense than water, and thus, when comparing equal volumes, liquid propane will weigh less than water.

This property is significant in practical applications, such as when liquid propane is stored or transported—it will float on water and can be easier to handle in certain situations. Understanding the density differences between liquids is crucial for safe handling and effective use in propane systems.