Question

Explain why an iron needle sinks in water, but an iron ship floats in water.

Answer 1

There is no denying the fact that an iron nail sinks in water but an iron ship floats in water and the reason for the same can be discussed below.

1. A body sinks in water if the weight of the water displaced by it is less than its own weight.
2. The density of an iron nail is more than the density of water and hence the weight of the iron nail exceeds the weight of the water displaced by it which causes the iron nail to sink in water.
3. An iron ship is made very much hollow from the inside as a result of which its average density is less than the density of water.
4. An iron ship being lighter than water displaces the weight of the water more than its own weight and hence the iron ship floats in water.