Canadian Entry To Practice (CETP) Practice Test

What is the approximate specific gravity of L.P. gas in relation to air?

1. 0.5

2. 1.0

3. 1.5

4. 2.0

The correct answer is: 1.5

The specific gravity of a substance is defined as the ratio of the density of that substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water or air. For L.P. (liquefied petroleum) gas, the specific gravity in relation to air is approximately 1.5. This means that L.P. gas is about 1.5 times denser than air. Understanding specific gravity is important in various applications, especially in safety and handling procedures, as it provides insights into how the gas will behave when released into the environment. Since L.P. gas is heavier than air, it will tend to settle in low-lying areas, which is crucial information when assessing risks for potential accumulation. In this context, while a specific gravity of 0.5 would suggest that L.P. gas is lighter than air, values of 1.0 would indicate the same density as air, and a value of 2.0 would imply that it is significantly heavier. However, neither of those scenarios accurately reflects the characteristics of L.P. gas, confirming that 1.5 correctly indicates its relative density.