When given a specific gravity of 0.8 for gasoline, what can be predicted regarding its behavior in water?

• A. It will remain submerged
• B. It will remain on top of the water
• C. It will mix with the water
• D. It will evaporate immediately

Answer: (B)

Gasoline, with a specific gravity of 0.8, is lighter than water, which has a specific gravity of 1.0. Because gasoline's specific gravity is less than that of water, it indicates that gasoline will float when placed in water. This behavior is due to the physical properties of liquids and how they interact based on their densities. When a substance is less dense than another substance, it will rise to the surface rather than sink.

This characteristic is crucial in hazardous materials management, particularly when dealing with spills or leaks, as it helps responders anticipate how the substance will behave in aquatic environments. Understanding that gasoline can float on water allows for the planning of containment and remediation strategies that are necessary to address potential environmental impacts.