How does adding salt to water affect its specific gravity?

Adding salt to water increases its specific gravity because specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water. When salt dissolves in water, it adds mass to the solution without significantly increasing the volume. This increase in mass leads to a higher density compared to pure water.

As a result, the overall density of the saltwater solution exceeds that of fresh water, which raises its specific gravity. This principle is demonstrated in various contexts, such as when objects float more readily in saltwater than in freshwater due to the higher density of the saltwater. Therefore, the correct understanding emphasizes that the addition of salt enhances the solution's density, thus increasing its specific gravity.