Final answer:
To calculate the specific gravity of aluminum, divide its density (171 lb/ft^3) by the density of water (62.43 lb/ft^3), resulting in a specific gravity of approximately 2.74.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific gravity of a substance is the ratio of its density compared to the density of water. Since the density of water at 4°C is 1 g/cm³ or equivalently, 62.43 lb/ft³, we use this as a reference to calculate the specific gravity of aluminum. The given density of aluminum is 171 lb/ft³. To find the specific gravity of aluminum, you divide the density of aluminum by the density of water.
Specific Gravity of Aluminum = ∗(lb/ft³) / ∗(lb/ft³)
So, the specific gravity is:
Specific Gravity of Aluminum = 171 lb/ft³ / 62.43 lb/ft³
By performing this division, we get approximately:
Specific Gravity of Aluminum ≈ 2.74