What does a specific gravity greater than one indicate for a chemical in water?

A specific gravity greater than one indicates that the chemical is denser than water. As a result, when placed in water, it will sink. This property is critical in hazardous materials handling as it informs responders about the behavior of the chemical in aquatic environments. For instance, if a substance spills into a body of water, knowing that it has a specific gravity greater than one means that it poses a risk of settling at the bottom, potentially affecting aquatic life and complicating cleanup efforts. Understanding the physical properties of chemicals, such as specific gravity, is vital for accurately assessing the hazards they present and devising appropriate response strategies.