The specific gravity of fish oil is 0.928.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) [47], the specific gravity of fish oil is 0.928. This value is noted to be very close to values obtained for specific types of processed fish oils like SFBO (Structured Fish Oil) and PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid) enriched acylglycerols.
Understanding Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance; for liquids, the reference is typically water at a specific temperature (often 4°C, where its density is maximum and close to 1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³).
Essentially, it tells you how much denser or lighter a substance is compared to water. A specific gravity of less than 1 means the substance is less dense than water and will float, while a value greater than 1 means it is denser and will sink.
Key Information on Fish Oil Specific Gravity
Based on the provided reference, the specific gravity of fish oil is specifically cited:
| Property | Value | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | 0.928 | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | [47] |
This value indicates that fish oil is less dense than water, which is why oil floats on water.
Factors Influencing Oil Density
While the FAO provides a specific value, the exact density (and thus specific gravity) of fish oil can vary slightly depending on factors such as:
- Temperature: Density generally decreases as temperature increases.
- Fatty Acid Composition: The blend of different fatty acids can slightly alter density.
- Processing Method: How the oil is extracted and processed can influence its physical properties.
However, the value of 0.928, as cited by the FAO, serves as a widely accepted figure for general purposes.
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