Canadian Entry To Practice (CETP) Practice Test

What is the significance of knowing the specific gravity of a gas or vapor?

1. Determining the phase change temperature

2. Predicting weather patterns

3. Identifying accumulation points in case of leaks

4. Calculating insulation requirements

The correct answer is: Identifying accumulation points in case of leaks

Knowing the specific gravity of a gas or vapor is significant primarily for identifying accumulation points in case of leaks. Specific gravity provides a comparison of the density of the gas or vapor to that of air, which is vital in assessing how a gas will behave in the event of a leak. When a gas or vapor has a specific gravity less than 1, it is lighter than air and will tend to rise and disperse into the atmosphere. Conversely, if the specific gravity is greater than 1, the gas is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas or confined spaces, posing significant safety hazards. Understanding the behavior of gases based on their specific gravity can inform safety protocols and prevent dangerous situations during leaks. The other options, while relevant to various aspects of gas and vapor behavior, do not directly connect to the specific gravity's role in predicting the physical behavior of gases in case of leakage. Determining phase change temperatures and calculating insulation requirements involve properties like temperature and heat transfer rather than density comparison, and predicting weather patterns relies on a complex interaction of numerous atmospheric variables beyond just the specific gravity of individual gases.