Differentiate between flotation and sinking.

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Solution

The main points of difference between flotation and sinking are tabulated below.
Flotation Sinking
1. A body resting or moving over the surface of a liquid is said to be floating 1. A body penetrating through a liquid and ultimately reaching the bottom level of the liquid is said to be sunk.
2. A body floats over the surface of a liquid if the weight of the body acting in the downward direction is less than the buoyant force exerted on it by the liquid in the upward direction. 2. A body sinks in a liquid if the weight of the body acting in the downward direction is more than the buoyant force exerted on it by the liquid in the upward direction.
3. Wooden plank being less dense than water experiences buoyant force more than its weight and hence floats over the surface of water. 3. Rocks having density more than water experience buoyant force less than their weight and hence sink in the water.

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