What happens when a substance has a specific gravity less than 1?

When a substance has a specific gravity less than 1, it indicates that the substance is less dense than water. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water; if it is less than 1, the substance will float on water. This phenomenon occurs because the buoyant force exerted by the water is greater than the weight of the substance, allowing it to remain on the surface rather than sinking.

This principle is essential in various fields, including firefighting and hazardous materials management, as it affects how substances behave in water. Understanding the concepts of density and buoyancy can help predict the behavior of materials in emergencies and inform decisions about containment and cleanup strategies.