Question

The volume of $50g$ of a substance is $20c{m}^3$. If the density of water is $1gc{m}^{-3}$, will the substance float or sink?

Answer 1

Step 1: Given data

Volume, $V=20c{m}^3$

Mass, $m=50g$

Density of water, ${\rho }_w=1gc{m}^{-3}$

Step 2: Concept

1. If the density of a body is higher than the density of water, it sinks in water.
2. If the density of a body is lower than the density of water, it floats on water.

Step 3: Calculation of density

Density of body, ${\rho }_b=\frac{m}{V}$

${\rho }_b=\frac{50}{20}=2.5gc{m}^{-3}$

${\rho }_b>{\rho }_w$

Since the density of the substance is greater than the density of water, it will sink.