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What is the least dense material that can not be made to float using water's surface tension?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Density is not the only property to consider when thinking of
the phenomena of flotation over water using water's surface
tension.
Pure gold has a density of about 19 g/cm3, (water's density
is about 1.0 g/cm3), and you can make small thin flakes of it
to float if you previously played with them with your fingers
to provide an oily film around them. This will reduce its
wet-ability and reduce its contact angle.
Experiment trying to make a metal clip float in water. Just
squeeze the clip with your fingers to put a thin oily film around
it. Then hold the clip with your index finger under it and sink
your hand carefully in the water letting the clip be the last
one to touch flatly the water surface.
If you succeed, then try it on soapy water, using a little bit of
liquid dish soap.
Can you make it float again ?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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What does the term interfacial tension mean?
The term interfacial tension or surface tension means the contractive tendency of a liquid that lets it resist and external force. Interfacial tension could be observed from the floating of objects on the surface of water, even though they are more dense than water.
Why does corks below the water rise to the surface?
Cork consists of a material which is lighter, or less dense than water so it naturally rises to the surface.
What kind of ball bounces most when dropped at hard surface?
One made of dense but highly-elastic material.
Which is more dense steel or water?
Er, Does Steel (by itself) Float when placed in water? (for purposes of this discussion, lets omit masses of steel less than that required to break the water's surface tension, and formulations/constructions of steel purposefully designed to not break the surface tension, both of which are probably possible) No, ergo steel is more dense in its "usual" formulations & construction.
What property in water makes things sink or float?
Its density.If a substance is denser than water, it will sink. If it is less dense, then it will float.(The surface tension of water also contributes slightly to this.)
Where would ocean waters be least dense?
At the surface of the ocean in the warmest area of the ocean.
Why a clip float in water?
Because the paperclip is not dense enough to break the surface tension of the water
What does the term interfacial tension mean?
The term interfacial tension or surface tension means the contractive tendency of a liquid that lets it resist and external force. Interfacial tension could be observed from the floating of objects on the surface of water, even though they are more dense than water.
What body of water has the lowest density?
Surface mixed zone
Why does corks below the water rise to the surface?
Cork consists of a material which is lighter, or less dense than water so it naturally rises to the surface.
What phenomenon allows objects or liquids that are less dense to float in liquids that are more dense?
If an object or liquid is is less dense than the liquid in which it floats, that's the reason why it floats, because whatever is less dense floats. If you meant to ask why something MORE dense can float in something LESS dense, one answer is surface tension.
How concentration affect surface tension?
As the strength of intermolecular forces(IMFs) increases, vapor pressure decreases. This is because when IMFs are stronger it is harder for the compound to go to the gas phase, this means that the pressure the compound is exerting on the surrounding environment is lower.
What kind of ball bounces most when dropped at hard surface?
One made of dense but highly-elastic material.
How can you test how much weight the surface tension of water can hold?
Small insects such can walk on water because their weight is not enough to penetrate the surface. A carefully placed small needle can be made to float on the surface of water even though it is several times as dense as water. If the surface is agitated to break up the surface tension, needle will quickly sink.
Why do dense objects float in the dead sea?
it is salty and salty waters are dense
Which is more dense steel or water?
Er, Does Steel (by itself) Float when placed in water? (for purposes of this discussion, lets omit masses of steel less than that required to break the water's surface tension, and formulations/constructions of steel purposefully designed to not break the surface tension, both of which are probably possible) No, ergo steel is more dense in its "usual" formulations & construction.
What characteristic of water allows it to support the weight of objects more dense than water?
Surface Tension-Surface tension is a property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. It is revealed, for example, in floating of some objects on the surface of water, even though they are denser than water, and in the ability of some insects (e.g.Water striders) and even reptiles (basilisk) to run on the water surface. This property is caused by cohesion of like molecules, and is responsible for many of the behaviors of liquids.
