Question

How can a relatively denser object be made to float on a less dense fluid?

• A. By altering the shape.
• B. By altering the forces acting on the object.
• C. By altering the shear forces acting on the object
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is A By altering the shape.

By changing the shape of an object it can be made to float on a fluid even if it is denser than that fluid. This principle is used in shipbuilding.
A ship floats on the surface of the sea because the volume of water displaced by the ship is equal to the weight of the ship. A ship is constructed in a way so that the shape is hollow, to make the overall density of the ship lesser than the sea water. Therefore, the buoyant force acting on the ship is large enough to support its weight.