What is the approximate unit volume weight (specific gravity) of steel?

The specific gravity, or unit volume weight, of a material is a measure of its density compared to the density of water. For steel, the typical specific gravity is around 7.85. This means that steel is approximately 7.85 times denser than water.

Knowing the specific gravity of materials like steel is essential in various applications, particularly in industries involving construction, manufacturing, or materials handling—such as when using forklifts to lift steel products. Accurate knowledge of specific gravity helps in calculating weight for safe lifting and ensuring that equipment operates within its load capacity.

The other choices presented do not accurately represent the specific gravity of steel; they either understate or overstate its density compared to the accepted value. Hence, selecting the value of 7.85 aligns with standard material science knowledge for steel.