G2 Gas Fitter Practice Exam

What is the specific gravity of propane?

1. 0.75

2. 1.0

3. 0.51

4. 1.25

The correct answer is: 0.51

The specific gravity of propane is approximately 0.51. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, which is typically air or water. For gases, it's often measured against air at standard conditions. When considering propane's specific gravity, a value less than 1 indicates that propane is lighter than air, which is significant for safety and handling. Propane's lighter nature means that in the event of a leak, it will rise and disperse into the atmosphere rather than accumulate at ground level. The belief that propane has a specific gravity of 0.51 supports the understanding of its behavior in various scenarios, such as ventilation requirements in confined spaces and the need for proper detection systems to manage potential leaks. Understanding this property is crucial for gas fitters when designing and installing propane systems to ensure safety compliance.