The exact specific gravity of an aluminum sulfate solution is not provided in the given reference, as it is highly dependent on the solution's concentration and temperature. However, the provided reference does specify the specific gravity for solid aluminum sulfate, which ranges from 1.29 to 1.34 at 15°C.
Understanding Aluminum Sulfate Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance (usually water at a specific temperature). For a solid material like aluminum sulfate, its specific gravity is a fixed property at a given temperature.
However, for a solution, specific gravity varies significantly with the amount of solute (aluminum sulfate) dissolved in the solvent (water). A higher concentration of aluminum sulfate in the solution will generally result in a higher specific gravity. Without knowing the concentration (e.g., in percentage by weight or molarity) and the exact temperature of the solution, its specific gravity cannot be precisely determined.
Key Information from the Reference
The provided reference specifically states the specific gravity for aluminum sulfate in its solid form:
| Property | Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity (Solid) | 1.29 - 1.34 | at 15°C |
| Liquid Surface Tension | Data not available |
This table highlights that the data applies to the solid form and does not extend to its solutions.
Why Solution Specific Gravity Varies
The specific gravity of an aluminum sulfate solution is a critical parameter in various industrial applications, such as water treatment, paper manufacturing, and construction. Its variation based on concentration means that:
- Concentration is Key: A 10% aluminum sulfate solution will have a different specific gravity than a 50% solution. Manufacturers and users typically consult concentration-specific gravity tables or formulas for their particular application.
- Temperature Effects: Temperature also influences density, and therefore specific gravity. As temperature increases, the density of most solutions tends to decrease, leading to a lower specific gravity.
- Practical Implications: In industrial processes, monitoring solution specific gravity can be a way to quickly estimate the concentration of aluminum sulfate in a batch, ensuring consistent product quality or effective dosing in water treatment.
In conclusion, while the specific gravity of solid aluminum sulfate is a defined range, the specific gravity of an aluminum sulfate solution requires additional information regarding its concentration and temperature to be accurately determined. The provided reference only offers data for the solid form.
