Final answer:
The specific gravity of water is 1.0, which serves as a baseline for measuring the relative density of other substances compared to water. Thus correct answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific gravity is a crucial measure in understanding the density of a substance relative to water at the same temperature. It is defined as the ratio of the weight or density of the substance to that of water, with pure water serving as the baseline with a specific gravity of 1.0.
This benchmark facilitates easy comparison; if a liquid has a specific gravity less than 1, it will float on water, whereas a value greater than 1 indicates it will sink. Water, being the reference point, holds a specific gravity of precisely 1.0. This characteristic makes it an ideal standard for determining the buoyancy or sinking behavior of other substances.
Consequently, when asked about water's specific gravity, the correct answer is A.1, signifying its equivalence to the reference standard. Understanding specific gravity is fundamental in various scientific and industrial contexts for assessing the characteristics and behavior of different materials.