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No, rocks generally cannot float in water or oil because rocks have higher densities than liquid water and oil.
Density is a measure of how much matter is contained in a given amount of space. When viewed at an atomic level, density is a measure of how many atoms are present in a defined amount of space. The element gold has a high density because a high number of gold atoms can be fitted in a defined amount of space. That is why gold is so heavy. The element helium has a low density; in a given amount of space, helium atoms occupy only a small fraction of the total available space. Helium is used in balloons because helium is lighter than air and has a low density.
The chemical formula for density is mass/volume. Mass is measured in grams, and volume is measured in liters. Chemical measurements of density give a good estimate of whether an object/substance could float in water.
Water has a density of 1. The general rule stipulates that any substance that has a density higher than 1 will sink because that substance is more dense than water. Any substance that has an density lower than 1 can float because that substance is less dense than water. Wood has a density of .7 and thus floats in water. Iron has a density of 15 and sinks.
Most rocks have densities greater than 1 (rock density varies greatly because the immense variety of rocks) and thus sink in water.
Addendum:The exception of course is pumice. The density of pumice is generally much lower than its displacement.
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When a ocean spills why does the oil float on water?
Oil is lighter than water.
Does a ball float in water higher than in oil?
No, a ball will float higher in oil than in water because the density of oil is lower than that of water. The buoyant force experienced by the ball in oil is greater, causing it to float higher.
Will a cotton ball float on oil and water?
Yes it will float until it is less denser than oil and water. But just after increasing its density by absorbing enough water or oil it will start sinking.
Why does oil float on the surface of water?
Because oil is less dense than water.
Why can liquids float on each other?
oil and water <><><> Some liquids, such as oil and water, do not mix- as they have different densities- so the lighter one (oil) will float on the heavier one.
What type of rock cannot float on water?
Virtually all types of rock will sink in water. The only rock that can float on water is pumice.
Do oil sink or float in water?
Float.
Is USP mineral oil soluble in water?
No, it is not. Oil and water do not mix. If you pour oil into water, the oil will float to the surface. If you pour water into oil, the water will sink to the bottom and the oil will float on top.
Will crude oil float on water or sink?
Most (but not all) oil is less dense than water. That oil which is less dense than water will float. That oil which is denser than water will sink.
How can you determined if a rock can float in water?
If a rock has many airbubbles in it, like volcanic rock has, it is possible for a rock to float. If a rock feels heavy in your hand, it propably will not float.
Can you make a rock float?
A rock could float if its density is less than that of water, as is the rock pumice, or if it is shaped in a manner that would displace an amount of water to sufficiently cause it to float when carefully placed in water.
Why does oil and gas float on water?
Oil and gas are less dense than water therefore will separate and float.
Will a obsidian rock float on water?
No it will not.
Does a shale rock float in water?
no
Will vinegar float in oil?
No. Oil will float on vinegar as vinegar has the same density as water.
What objects float in water oil and syrup?
oil
What substances will float in water?
oil
