13
Question
The density of an object is slightly lesser than that of water. Will it float or sink in water?Why?
The density of an object is slightly lesser than that of water. Will it float or sink in water?Why?
Open in App
Solution
One must remember the basic rule: An object that floats in a liquid of higher density, it displaces some volume of the liquid. The mass (not the volume) of this displaced liquid is the same as that of the object. So, if the object’s density (and, hence, its mass) is zero, then it will displace no liquid, and it will float with 100 % of its volume above the liquid line. If, on the other hand, the object has a density higher than that of the liquid, it will sink in the liquid. In such case, the volume (not weight) of the displaced liquid will be the same as that of the object.
Density plays a part in why some things float and some sink. Objects that are more dense than water sink and those less dense float.
One must remember the basic rule:
An object that floats in a liquid of higher density, it displaces some volume of the liquid. The mass (not the volume) of this displaced liquid is the same as that of the object.
So, if the object’s density (and, hence, its mass) is zero, then it will displace no liquid, and it will float with 100 % of its volume above the liquid line.
If, on the other hand, the object has a density higher than that of the liquid, it will sink in the liquid. In such case, the volume (not weight) of the displaced liquid will be the same as that of the object.
Density plays a part in why some things float and some sink. Objects that are more dense than water sink and those less dense float.
Density plays a part in why some things float and some sink. Objects that are more dense than water sink and those less dense float.
Suggest Corrections
1
Similar questions
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
Explore more
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
