Final answer:
The specific gravity of the minerals in order from least to greatest is Kaolinite, Lepidolite, Pyrite, Copper.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific gravity of a substance is a measure of its density compared to the density of water. It is a dimensionless quantity, meaning it has no units. A substance with a higher specific gravity will be denser than a substance with a lower specific gravity.
In the given options, we can determine the specific gravity of each mineral:
- Pyrite: Pyrite has a specific gravity of approximately 5.0. It is denser than water and will sink in water.
- Copper: Copper has a specific gravity of approximately 8.9. It is denser than both water and pyrite, so it will sink in both.
- Lepidolite: Lepidolite has a specific gravity of approximately 2.8. It is less dense than water, so it will float on water.
- Kaolinite: Kaolinite has a specific gravity of approximately 2.6. It is less dense than both water and lepidolite, so it will also float on water.
Therefore, ranking the minerals in order from least to greatest specific gravity, we have: Kaolinite, Lepidolite, Pyrite, Copper.