Question

Why is it easier for you to float in salt water than in freshwater?

• A. Salt water has higher density
• B. Fresh water has higher density
• C. Salt water has less density
• D. Salt water has less current

Answer 1

The correct option is A Salt water has higher density

According to Archimedes' principle, force of buoyancy is given by

$F_b=V{\rho }_{L}g$

where, $V$=volume of submerged object

${\rho }_L$ = density of fluid and

$g$ = acceleration due to gravity

When salt is dissolved in water, as it is in ocean water, that dissolved salt adds to the mass of the water and makes the water denser than it would be without salt. Therefore due to increase in density of fluid, upward Buoyant force will increase due to which object will float better in salt water.