If solids in water have a specific gravity of 1.30, then they are ____________.

To determine how solids with a specific gravity of 1.30 relate to the density of water, it's essential to understand what specific gravity signifies. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4 degrees Celsius, where it has a density of 1.00 g/cm³.

A specific gravity of 1.30 indicates that the solids are 1.30 times denser than water. This means that to find the difference in weight compared to water, you can calculate the excess density.

Since the solids are 1.30 times denser, you can express that as 1.30 - 1.00 = 0.30. This value represents the solids being 30% denser than water. In practical terms, if a solid has a specific gravity of 1.30, it will be 30% heavier than water because it weighs 30% more for the same volume.

This understanding of specific gravity is crucial in fields like wastewater management, where the proper characterization of materials can influence processes such as sedimentation, filtration, and treatment efficiency. Recognizing the relative densities of materials allows for better design and operation of wastewater systems.