Fuels — Approximate specific gravity of petrol (gasoline) At standard reference conditions used in automotive practice, what is a typical specific gravity value for petrol?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 0.75

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Specific gravity (relative density) indicates a liquid’s density relative to water at a reference temperature. For gasoline, this affects fuel system calibration, evaporative behavior, and mass-based fuel economy calculations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Automotive petrol at around 15 °C reference conditions.
  • Typical commercial blends (not aviation gasoline or special racing fuels).


Concept / Approach:
Common gasoline blends have specific gravity roughly in the 0.70–0.77 range at 15 °C. A nominal textbook value of about 0.74–0.75 is often used for engineering estimates where precise density is not provided.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize typical range for petrol density.Select a representative value used in calculations.Answer: approximately 0.75.


Verification / Alternative check:
Fuel data sheets from refineries show densities corresponding to specific gravities in the cited range depending on aromatics and temperature.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
0.85/0.95/1.25: too high for petrol; closer to diesel or heavier oils.0.60: too low for any standard road gasoline.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing gasoline with diesel (SG ~0.82–0.86).


Final Answer:
0.75

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