In the context of density, what is the specific gravity of water (relative to water at $4°C$)?

• A. $0$
• B. $9.8$
• C. $1$
• D. $1000$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4°C for liquids.
2. Recall that the density of water at 4°C is approximately 1000 kg/m³, which is considered the standard reference density.
3. Write the formula for specific gravity as: \(\text{Specific Gravity} = \frac{\text{Density of substance}}{\text{Density of water at 4}^\circ\text{C}}\).
4. Since the problem asks for the specific gravity of water relative to water at 4°C, substitute the density of water for both numerator and denominator.
5. Recognize that dividing the density of water by itself results in a specific gravity of 1, meaning water has a specific gravity of 1 relative to itself at 4°C.