Final answer:
The specific gravity of a substance with a density of 1.36 g/mL is 1.36, since specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to that of water, which has a density of 1 g/mL at room temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding specific gravity involves recognizing it as a dimensionless ratio that compares the density of a substance to the density of water. In the context of your question, where the density of water is approximately 1 g/mL at room temperature, the specific gravity is calculated by dividing the density of the substance by the density of water.
For instance, if a substance has a density of 1.36 g/mL, the specific gravity is obtained by dividing 1.36 by 1, which equals 1.36. Importantly, specific gravity is a unitless value, emphasizing its significance in relative density comparisons.
This dimensionless quantity is crucial in various fields, particularly in determining the buoyancy of objects in different fluids. Engineers, scientists, and professionals across disciplines rely on specific gravity as a fundamental parameter in their analyses and experiments. Its simplicity, being a straightforward ratio, makes it a valuable tool for understanding the density characteristics of substances.
In conclusion, specific gravity serves as a powerful metric, enabling a concise and meaningful comparison of densities, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the physical properties of materials.