Gasoline is less dense than water, which is why its specific gravity is typically less than one. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, usually water for liquids. Since the density of gasoline is generally around 0.7 to 0.8 g/cm³, which is lower than that of water (approximately 1.0 g/cm³), gasoline will float on water.
This property has practical implications, especially in environmental science and safety. For instance, when gasoline spills occur on water, it will form a layer on the surface, which can lead to environmental pollution and requires specific cleanup measures. Understanding the specific gravity of gasoline compared to water is crucial for engineers and technicians working in fields related to fluid mechanics, environmental protection, and safety management.