TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Blvd, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Civil Engineering Department

CE 023 FLUID MECHANICS

(CE31S7)

EXPERIMENT N0. 1
Specific Gravity Determination

SUBMITTED BY:
Angeles, Mourreen Claire 2210416
Buenaventura, Loren Christopher 1812067
Guevarra, Maria Sophia I. 2211950
Llanza, Cyra Jazzielou B. 2210571
Mabalot, Kim Cyrus S. 2211284
Tabug, Revi Emmanuel E. 2212267

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. AARON PAUL I. CARABBACAN, CET, MSCE
Professor

September 7, 2024
 Experiment 1: SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

1.1 Student Outcomes (SOs) Addressed by the Activity

SO d. Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze, and interpret

data, and synthesize information to provide valid conclusions for
investigating complex problems.

SO i. Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse

teams and in multidisciplinary setting.

1.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

At the end of this activity the students shall be able to:

a) Explain the concept of specific gravity as one of the fundamental

properties of fluid.

b) Demonstrate the needed techniques in determination of heights of

different fluids inside the U- tube manometer.

c) Calculate the specific gravity of fluids using the principle given.

1.3 Objective/s of the Activity

The activity aims to demonstrate the validity of determining the specific

gravity of a fluid using a U–tube manometer. Furthermore, it aims to illustrate
the effect of specific gravity on pressure variation on a multiple column of fluids.

1.4 Principle of the Activity

Specific gravity of a fluid is the dimensionless ratio of the specific weight

gfluid or density p of a fluid to the specific weight gwater or density ρwater of the
standard substance,

(eq. 1.1)

(eq. 1.2)

For liquids and solids, the standard substance is pure water at 4ºC at which
temperature, its specific weight, gwater = 9.81 KN/m3 and density ρwater = 1000 kg/m3
are at their maximum values. With these constants, equation 1.1 may be used to
compute the specific weight and density of a fluid given its specific gravity S. For
gases, the standard substance is either hydrogen or air at 0ºC and under a pressure
of 101.3 KPa. Air at this temperature and pressure has gair = 12.7 N/m3 and ρair = 1.29
kg/m3.
The specific gravity should not be confused with the density since these are two
different properties of a substance, the first one being dimensionless and the second
having the dimensions kg/m3 or gm/cm3. In the SI units, however, these two are
numerically equal if the density is expressed in gm/cm3. For example, water has
specific gravity of unity and a density of 1 gm/cm3.
Since specific gravity of fluids vary with temperature, ρwater can be computed
using:

(eq. 1.3)
Where T is in ºC, and the resulting unit of the density is kg/m 3.

1.5 Resources/Instruments Required:

● U – tube manometer
● Scale / Ruler
● Liquids whose specific gravity are to be determined (water, soy sauce, oil,
vinegar, and diesel)
● Fluid Dropper
● Graduated Cylinder
● Beaker
● Thermometer
● Weighing Scale
● Ruler

1.6 Procedure:

With the use of manometer

1. To let water as the reference fluid, measure its temperature

using a thermometer then determine the corresponding density
and specific gravity using eq. 1.3 and eq. 1.1

2. Pour an amount of 1st fluid (specific gravity S1) in the U – tube

glass manometer
 3. Add an amount of 2nd fluid (specific gravity S2) in the U – tube glass
manometer until it stands.

4. Measure the difference in elevation between the interface and surface for each
fluid (designate it as h1 and h2; where h1 is the difference in elevation between
interface and surface of 1st fluid and h2 is the difference in elevation between
interface and surface of 2nd fluid)

5. Evaluate the unknown specific gravity of the fluid using the derived formula
below

S1 h1 = S2 h2 (eq. 1.4)

6. Perform steps 2 to 5 with other liquids. For heavy fluids, use mercury as
standard fluid.

With the use of mass-volume-density relationship

1. Using weighing scale, determine the mass of an empty graduated cylinder

2. Pour out some amount of fluid on the graduated cylinder then measure the
combined mass of the fluid and the graduated cylinder. Also, determine the
volume of fluid being poured on the graduated cylinder.

3. Using the data from procedure 1 and 2 determine the mass of fluid being poured
on the graduated cylinder

4. Determine the density by dividing the calculated mass of fluid to the

corresponding volume. Consequently, the Specific gravity of the fluid can now
be determined.

5. Repeat procedure 1 to 4 for other liquids.

1.7 Activity Report:

Section: CE331S7 Date Performed: Aug. 31, 2024

Group No.: 5 Date Submitted: Sept. 7, 2024

Group Members:

1. Angeles, Mourreen Claire

2. Buenaventura, Loren Christopher
3. Guevarra, Maria Sophia I.
4. Llanza, Cyra Jazzielou B.
5. Mabalot, Kim Cyrus S.
6. Tabug, Revi Emmanuel E.

1.7.1 Data Results:

Table 1.1: Specific Gravity of Fluid with the use of manometer

(1st (2nd S (2nd fluid) using

1st and 2nd Fluid fluid) fluid) manometer
h1 (cm) h2 (cm)

1st Fluid: Water

14 15.5 0.90
2nd Fluid: Oil
1st Fluid: Water
11 12 0.91
2nd Fluid: Diesel
1st Fluid: Oil
2nd Fluid: Soy 11.5 9.5 1.089
Sauce
1st Fluid: Oil
14 12 1.05
2nd Fluid: Vinegar
Table 1.2: Specific Gravity of the fluid with the use of mass-volume-density
relationship

Volu
Fluid Mass me S using mass-volume-density
(g) (𝑚𝐿) relation

Oil 35.296 40 0.8848

Diesel 32.893 40 0.8847
Soy
44.555 40 1.1169
Sauce
Vinegar 39.358 40 0.9866
 Table 1.3: Summary of Specific Gravities of Fluids

𝑆1.2 − 𝑆1.1
S from S from % 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 =
Fluid Description 𝑆1.2
Table 1.1 Table 1.2 × 100%

Oil 0.90 0.8848 1.78%

Diesel 0.91 0.8847 2.86%
Soy Sauce 1.089 1.1169 2.50%
Vinegar 1.05 0.9866 6.43%

Calculating the Specific gravity of water at different temperatures

𝑆𝑤 = 1,000 𝑎𝑡 4℃

(𝑇 − 4)2
𝑃𝑤 = 1,000 − 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
180

𝑃𝑤 𝑎𝑡 𝑇℃ 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
𝑆𝑤 =
1,000 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

1.7.2 Experiment Calculations:

For Table 1.1 Calculation:
For Table 1.2 Calculation
1.8 Observation, Discussion, and Analysis
(Attach a separate sheet for this section. A minimum of 3 sentences in a paragraph is
required.)
1. Comparative Analysis. Present the specific gravity values obtained for each
fluid tested. How do the specific gravity values of different fluids compare with
each other? What can you infer from these comparisons?
2. Comparison with Known Data. Are the specific gravity values consistent with
literature values or expected ranges for the fluids being tested? If there are
deviations, what factors could explain these discrepancies?

3. Specific Gravity. How does the specific gravity of a fluid influence its behavior
when placed in contact with other fluids?
4. Measurement Accuracy. Discuss the potential sources of error in specific
gravity determination and how these could affect the accuracy of the results.
How might impurities or contaminants affect the accuracy of specific gravity
measurements? Also, discuss techniques and recommendations to minimize
errors.
5. Fluid Density vs. Specific Gravity. Explain the difference between
measuring fluid density and specific gravity. Is there a correlation between
density and specific gravity? How are they related mathematically? When might
one parameter be preferred over the other in certain applications?

6. Applications in Fluid Mechanics. How is the specific gravity of a fluid relevant

in hydraulic systems, buoyancy calculations, and fluid flow analysis?

7. Practical Implications. How might the specific gravity values impact the
usability of these fluids in various industries or applications? Are there any
implications for fluid mixing, separation, or flow behavior?
8. Real-World Scenarios. Provide examples of situations in which knowledge of
specific gravity is crucial, such as in determining the quality of liquids, assessing
mixtures, and understanding fluid behavior
1. Comparative Analysis.

Base from the table 1.1, here are the specific gravity values of each fluid:
Oil: 0.90
Diesel:0.91
Soy Sauce: 1.089
Vinegar: 1.05

Oil has a specific gravity of 0.90 and is less dense than diesel,soy
sauce and vinegar,since the specific gravity value of oil is less than the
specific gravity value of other fluids.Diesel is a little bit dense than the oil
because the specific gravity of this fluid is 0.91 but less dense than the
soy sauce and vinegar. Soy sauce is much denser than all other fluids
because it has a specific gravity of 1.089. Lastly, Vinegar is denser than
oil and diesel but less dense than soy sauce because the specific value
of vinegar is 1.05.
By comparing the specific gravity of each fluid, we can infer that
each behavior of the fluid is based on their densities. The denser the
fluid means it flows slowly than a less dense fluid.

2. Comparison with Known Data.

The specific gravity of the data is somehow consistent with the literature
values. Although the specific gravity of diesel is supposed to be lower than oil,
We observed that there are factors that could affect the specific gravity of a
fluid. Temperature is one to be considered. Since we are working in an air
conditioned laboratory, it could be a reason why the diesel’s density is higher
than oil. Measurement errors could also be a factor.Errors in measurement
techniques or equipment calibration can lead to discrepancies. Even though it
is not the big difference in terms of values, it is important to note that these
factors could alter the results of the experiment and could be valuable data to
properly identify the outcome of the experiment.

3. Specific Gravity.

The lower the specific gravity will tend to float above the surface while the
higher the density will tend to sink. For example the oil has specific gravity of
0.90 and the soy sauce has a specific gravity of 1.089, the result in this
combination is the oil is at the top while the soy sauce is below since the oil is
less dense while the soy sauce is denser. When the combination of different
fluids with different specific gravity come in contact, they form a layer,
meaning they are not mixing with each other.
4. Measurement Accuracy.
Discuss the potential sources of error in specific gravity determination
and how these could affect the accuracy of the results. How might impurities or
contaminants affect the accuracy of specific gravity measurements? Also,
discuss techniques and recommendations to minimize errors.
Measurement accuracy is one of the factors that could affect the result
of the experiment. Since the fluids that we used are less dense than water, after
using the U-Tube Manometer, we need to clean it with water to use another
type of fluid. Due to the manometer being a small tube, it is harder to clean it
and some of the fluids are stuck inside. For example, when we need to use
vinegar and soy sauce, some of the oil from previous testing is still in the
manometer. That's why we have a harder time measuring the fluids and it
influences how we gather our data. We recommend for future students to have
a proper cleaning tool so you can always start your testing without contaminants
and to have more accurate results than we had.

5. Fluid Density vs. Specific Gravity.

Fluid density is a measure of mass per unit volume (e.g., kilograms per
cubic meter or grams per cubic centimeter), while specific gravity is a
dimensionless ratio comparing the density of a fluid to the density of a reference
substance, typically water. Mathematically, specific gravity is calculated as the
density of the fluid divided by the density of the reference substance, which
makes it a relative measure. There is a direct correlation between density and
specific gravity: if the density of a fluid increases, its specific gravity increases
proportionally. Specific gravity is often preferred in applications where
comparison to a standard substance (like water) is useful, such as in identifying
liquids or assessing purity, while density is more universally applied in
engineering and scientific calculations involving mass and volume.

6. Applications in Fluid Mechanics.

Specific gravity helps in hydraulic systems by showing how heavy a fluid is

compared to water, which affects pressure and system design. For buoyancy,
it tells us if something will float or sink in a fluid: if it’s denser (higher specific
gravity) than the fluid, it sinks; if it’s less dense, it floats. In fluid flow analysis,
specific gravity helps in calculating how fluid moves and how much force is
needed in pipes and tanks. So, it’s key for designing systems, predicting
buoyancy, and analyzing flow.
7. Practical Implications.
Determining a fluid's suitability for different industries requires an
understanding of specific gravity values, which indicate a fluid's density in
relation to water. These numbers are helpful when choosing the correct fluid for
a particular application. Low specific gravity fluids, for instance, are perfect for
lightweight applications like aircraft. High-specific gravity materials, on the other
hand, are more appropriate for uses requiring heavy, dense materials, such as
drilling fluids.

8. Real-World Scenarios.

The specific gravity of a fluid is essential in many situations. For

instance, the petroleum industry qualifies crude oil according to specific gravity,
with lighter grades being more valuable. It also aids in figuring out how they will
use it in various liquids that will combine during chemical reactions. On the other
hand, separation and purification in wastewater treatment can be done more
effectively by knowing the specific gravity of pollutants.
1.9 Conclusion/s:
(Shorten the key findings you have presented in the Observation, Discussion, and
Analysis Section. Summarize with the following conclusion guide question. Each
number corresponds to a paragraph.)
1. Briefly recap the purpose and objectives of the experiment.

The experiment on specific gravity determination aims to measure the relative

density of a substance compared to density of water. By determining the specific
gravity, the experiment seeks to quantify how much heavier or lighter a fluid is
compared to an equal volume of substance.
The objectives include understanding the concept of specific gravity, practicing
the measurement techniques using a hydrometer or other tools, and applying the
results to identify materials, assess purity levels, or determine buoyancy
characteristics. The experiment provides a hands-on opportunity to comprehend
the principle of specific gravity and its practical implications in various scientific and
industrial contexts.

2. Present the specific gravity values obtained for each of the tested fluids.

The specific gravity values obtained for each tested fluid vary depending
on the method used. With the use of a manometer, the specific gravity values
observed for the pair of fluids were as follows: water and oil at 0.90, water and
diesel at 0.91, oil and soy sauce at 1.089, and oil and vinegar at 1.05. On the
other hand, through the mass-volume density relationship method, the specific
gravity values differ slightly with oil at 0.8848, diesel at 0.8847, soy sauce at
1.1169, and vinegar at 0.9866.
The different values obtained indicate the differences in densities among
the fluids, which can be attributed to their varying compositions and molecular
structures. It is crucial to note the significance of specific gravity measurements
in distinguishing between different liquids based on their densities, which can
have implications in various fields such as science, engineering, and industries
where precise knowledge of fluid properties is required.

3. Compare the specific gravity values with known literature values or

expected ranges for each fluid. Were there any discrepancies, and if so,
how might they be explained?

When comparing the specific gravity values obtained from our

experiments with known literature values or expected ranges, several
discrepancies were noted. In our case, measured values deviated from the
literature due to several factors. One issue was temperature differences;
specific gravity values are highly sensitive to temperature variations, and
discrepancies arose when our measurements were not adjusted for
temperature or were taken at temperatures different from those reported in the
literature.
 Additionally, the accuracy of our measuring instruments played a
significant role. Human error in reading and recording data also contributed to
discrepancies. Moreover, the purity of the fluids tested could have impacted our
results; any contamination or presence of impurities in the samples might have
altered their density, leading to deviations from expected values. Addressing
these factors, such as, controlling temperature conditions, and using pure
samples, could help in aligning our measurements more closely with
established literature values.

4. Discuss the practical implications of the specific gravity values for each
fluid in real- world applications.

Specific gravity values play a crucial role in various real-world

applications across different industries. For instance, in the oil and gas industry,
knowing the specific gravity of crude oil helps determine its quality and allows
for efficient transportation and refining processes. Diesel fuel, with its own
specific gravity value, is essential for ensuring proper engine performance in
vehicles and generators.
Specific gravity values for everyday products like vinegar and soy sauce
are equally important in food production and quality control. For instance,
understanding the specific gravity of vinegar is crucial for maintaining consistent
flavor profiles in recipes, while knowing the specific gravity of soy sauce aids in
proper packaging and labeling for commercial production. Overall, specific
gravity values are indispensable in a wide range of practical applications,
influencing processes and decision-making in diverse fields.

5. Summarize the significance of the experiment's findings in the context of

fluid mechanics, material characterization, and engineering practices.

In fluid mechanics, specific gravity plays a critical role in analyzing

buoyancy, fluid statics, and dynamics for designing hydraulic machinery and
marine vessels. Accurate measurements help engineers predict fluid behavior
and ensure reliable equipment operation.

Furthermore, specific gravity is essential in material characterization for

quality control and material selection in industries like metallurgy and
construction. It aids in distinguishing between different materials and impacts
their performance and suitability for applications.

In engineering practices, precise specific gravity measurements are

crucial for processes involving fluids, such as in chemical processing and
environmental engineering. This data supports effective design, quality
assurance, and operational efficiency in various fields.
6. Share any personal reflections on the experiment, such as challenges
faced, unexpected observations, or new perspectives gained.

In conducting the experiment to determine specific gravity using a

manometer and mass-volume measurements, We encountered several
challenges that not only tested my technical skills but also expanded my
understanding of fluid mechanics . First was the difficulty of ensuring the
accuracy of my readings; small errors in the manometer or variances in mass
measurement could significantly affect the final calculation. This experience
highlighted the importance of precision and careful calibration in experimental
setups.

In addition, the students observed some discrepancies between the

theoretical values and the measured results, prompting them to delve deeper
into potential causes such as temperature variations and the purity of the fluid
used. Overall, this experiment not only enhanced their practical skills but also
provided them with valuable insights into how meticulous attention to detail and
an open mind toward unexpected findings can lead to a richer understanding
of fundamental scientific principles.
1.10 Documentation
Manometer:
For mass-volume-density relationship:
 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLEDGE

I swear on my honor that I did not use any appropriate aid, nor give such to others, in
getting my assigned questionnaire for this course activity. I fully understand that
cheating and/or plagiarism is a major offense, as stated in Section 15 of the TIP
Student Manual and TIP Memorandum No. P-04, s. 2017-2018. I will wholeheartedly
accept the consequences and sanctions that will be imposed on me appropriately once
I have committed such acts.

_____________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

GUEVARRA, MARIA SOPHIA I.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

LLANZA, CYRA JAZZIELOU B.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

MABALOT, KIM CYRUS S.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

TABUG, REVI EMMANUEL E.

_____________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAM