The specific gravity of glucose is 1.02. This dimensionless quantity is calculated by comparing the density of glucose to the density of water.
Understanding Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is a fundamental property used in various scientific and industrial applications, including chemistry, physics, and medicine. It indicates how much denser or lighter a substance is compared to a reference substance, which is typically water for liquids and solids.
- Definition: Specific gravity ($SG$) is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance (usually water at 4°C).
- Formula: $SG = \text{Density of Substance} \div \text{Density of Reference}$
- Units: Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity, meaning it has no units, as the units of density cancel out during the calculation.
Calculation for Glucose
Based on standard measurements, the density of glucose and water are known, allowing for a straightforward calculation of glucose's specific gravity.
- Density of Glucose (d(glucose)): 1.02 g/ml
- Density of Water (d(water)): 1.00 g/ml
Using the specific gravity formula:
Specific gravity of glucose = Density of glucose $\div$ Density of water
Specific gravity of glucose = 1.02 g/ml $\div$ 1.00 g/ml
Specific gravity of glucose = 1.02
This calculation clearly shows that glucose is slightly denser than water.
Key Values
| Substance | Density (g/ml) | Specific Gravity |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | 1.02 | 1.02 |
| Water | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Practical Implications
Understanding the specific gravity of glucose is important in several contexts:
- Medical Diagnostics: Specific gravity measurements of urine can indicate hydration levels and kidney function, often influenced by the presence of substances like glucose (e.g., in uncontrolled diabetes).
- Food Science: In food production, specific gravity helps determine the concentration of sugar solutions, crucial for consistency and quality control in beverages, syrups, and confectionery.
- Pharmaceuticals: In drug formulation, specific gravity helps in preparing solutions and suspensions with precise concentrations and uniform distribution of active ingredients.
Understanding these foundational properties helps ensure accuracy and quality in various professional fields.
