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It's the shape. An object will float when the weight of the water it displaces is equal to the weight of the object. With the right shape, an object will displace its own weight of water before it reaches the point where it submerges. For example, a carrier ship launched into the sea will sink until the weight of the water it displaces is equal to the weight of the carrier. It will sink deeper and deeper, displacing more water as it is loaded with more stuff. It is possible to load a ship down until it simply sinks. And it is also possible to shape a rock to float. This usually involves removing enough material to where it is "hollowed out" because this removes enough weight to where the amount of water pushed away as it enters the water is less than the weight of the rock.
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∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe rock that sinks has a higher density than the rock that floats. (The only rock that floats is pumice.)
More specifically, for a rock to float it must have a lower density than the fluid it is placed in.
This will mean that a given volume of the material will have a smaller mass (and hence weight) than the fluid it displaces. As such the material will have positive bouyancy and will tend to float on top of the more dense material.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agobecause of the mass .it has a lot of air resistance.
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoBuoyancy. The Effect in which an object of solid state pushing directly down on a fluid creats a reaction in which it lifts up in the water. aka floating.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agosome rocks have holes also called bubbles in them so they are also very light and hallow and that is why they float.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoBecause the rock is more dense than the piece of wood.
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What objects to sink or float?
An object will float if it is less dense than the water (or other liquid). If it is denser than the water, it sinks.
Give some exampleof materials that sink and float in water?
rocks metal eggs dirt or sand all sink some woods sponge plastic aluminum cans all float
Will a marker float or sink in water?
I have a marker which float in water.
Does the density of a rock cause it to sink or float in water?
Density describes mass per unit volume. Pretty much all rocks will sink unless there is air in it
What floats and does not float?
A pencil floats, a human no float, a feather floats, paper floats, ice floats, keys do not float, rocks do not float, coins do not, flip flops float. Second answer: I think you meant to ask, 'What floats and then some time later starts to sink. If that is what you meant, the answer is: There are absorbent substances which float when dry, then after absorbing water while they are floating, they increase in density and then sink.
Is there any data about why do rocks sink and supertankers float?
Yes, the data dates back to the Greek mathematician, Archimedes. He discovered that when the mass of an object placed on the water is less than the mass of the water it displaces that object will float. Supertankers cover much area with their mass (thus displacing much water), while rocks generally (with the exception, for example, of pumice) do not.
Why do some rocks float while other rocks sink?
the density
Can setimentary rocks float?
No they will sink or break apart
What objects to sink or float?
An object will float if it is less dense than the water (or other liquid). If it is denser than the water, it sinks.
Do all rocks sink?
It depends on the type of rock. A rock like sandstone would not sink if it is a small peice. Small rocks can float. That's when its called silt.
Which physical property could be used to separate balsa wood from rocks?
you can put the mixture in water, the wood will float and the rocks will sink.
Why do rocks sink and rubber balls float in a swimming pool?
Whether an object sinks or floats depends on the objects buyoncy. If an object has a higher buoyancy then water it will generally sink, and less it will float.
Give some exampleof materials that sink and float in water?
rocks metal eggs dirt or sand all sink some woods sponge plastic aluminum cans all float
Do clothes float or sink?
it will float as long as it is not fully covered water.
Will arsenic float or sink in pure water?
does Arsenic float or sink
What can float and what can sink?
Hmmm. Canned/Tinned fruit will most certainly sink. Most fruits straight off from the tree will float. However, if the fruits are not ripe, they might sink as they are very dense. A coconut will most certainly float. A packet of biscuits (unopened) will float for a long time. Oatmeal flakes will float for a while, then sink to the bottom. Potatoes and carrots will sink. Lettuce and cabbage will float Regards.
Will a marker float or sink in water?
I have a marker which float in water.
