Question

Copper floats on mercury but sinks in water. Which statement given below is true?

• A. Mercury is heavier than copper but lighter than water.
• B. Copper and mercury both are heavier than water.
• C. Copper is lighter than water but heavier than mercury.
• D. Water is heavier than mercury but lighter than copper.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Copper is lighter than water but heavier than mercury.

1. An object floats on a liquid when the weight of the object balances the upward push of the liquid or if the object is less dense than the liquid it is immersed in.
2. An object sinks in a liquid when the weight of the object is more than the upward push of water or if the object is denser than the liquid, it is immersed in.
3. In the given case, Copper is lighter than water but heavier than mercury.

Hence option C is correct.