API gravity is used to characterize what property of petroleum liquids?

API gravity is used to characterize what property of petroleum liquids?

• A. Temperature
• B. Density
• C. Viscosity
• D. Color

Answer: (B)

API gravity characterizes the density of petroleum liquids relative to water, usually measured at 60°F. It isn’t about temperature, viscosity, or color. The scale works in reverse: higher API gravity means the liquid is lighter and less dense than water, while lower API gravity means it is heavier and denser. A handy way to relate it is through the density-based relation API gravity is derived from, using the liquid’s specific gravity at 60°F; oils with higher API gravity are lighter crudes, and those with lower API gravity are heavier crudes. This single number helps classify crudes into light, medium, or heavy categories and compare densities across different petroleum liquids. Temperature can affect density, but API gravity provides a standardized density measure at the reference temperature.

API gravity characterizes the density of petroleum liquids relative to water, usually measured at 60°F. It isn’t about temperature, viscosity, or color. The scale works in reverse: higher API gravity means the liquid is lighter and less dense than water, while lower API gravity means it is heavier and denser. A handy way to relate it is through the density-based relation API gravity is derived from, using the liquid’s specific gravity at 60°F; oils with higher API gravity are lighter crudes, and those with lower API gravity are heavier crudes. This single number helps classify crudes into light, medium, or heavy categories and compare densities across different petroleum liquids. Temperature can affect density, but API gravity provides a standardized density measure at the reference temperature.