Propane has a specific gravity greater than which substance?

Propane has a specific gravity of approximately 1.5, which means it is heavier than air but lighter than water. When we discuss specific gravity, we refer to the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, which is usually water for liquids and air for gases.

In this context, the correct choice indicates that propane is denser than air, which is about 1.0. Because propane is denser, it will tend to accumulate in low-lying areas in the event of a leak, posing safety concerns, especially in enclosed spaces. This characteristic is crucial for fire investigators and safety professionals as it affects how propane behaves when released, influencing both the investigation of fires and the safety measures that must be taken when handling or storing propane.

For a better understanding, it's also useful to note that propane’s specific gravity being greater than that of water would not be accurate, as propane is lighter than water, which has a specific gravity of 1.0. The same applies to carbon dioxide, which has a specific gravity slightly greater than that of air but still less than that of water. Gasoline has a specific gravity less than that of water (around 0.71), which further differentiates propane's