Question

A block of iron sinks in water, but floats in mercury, this is because:

• A. Density of water > Density of mercury
• B. Density of water = Density of mercury
• C. Density of water < Density of mercury
• D. Can’t be determined

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Density of water < Density of mercury

The sinking or floating of a body in a liquid is due to the difference in their densities. If the density of the body is greater than the liquid, then it sinks and vice-versa.

Density of water = 1 g/cc
Density of iron = 7.86 g/cc
Density of mercury = 13.56 g/cc

So, here the density of mercury is greater than water.