Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

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The specific gravity of lubricating oil is usually measured by means of a __________.

  1. Manometer

  2. Viscometer

  3. Hydrometer

  4. Caliper

The correct answer is: Hydrometer

The specific gravity of lubricating oil is typically measured using a hydrometer. A hydrometer is an instrument that floats in a liquid and is calibrated to measure the density of that liquid compared to the density of water. When measuring specific gravity, the hydrometer provides a direct reading that reflects how dense the lubricating oil is relative to water. This property is crucial because it helps determine the oil's performance characteristics, including its effectiveness as a lubricant. In contrast, a manometer is used to measure pressure, while a viscometer is designed to determine the viscosity of a fluid—meaning its thickness or resistance to flow—rather than its specific gravity. A caliper is a tool used to measure the dimensions of an object, such as length or diameter, and is not applicable in the context of measuring the specific gravity of fluids.