Why do Objects float or sink?

Answer 1

An object will float when submerged into liquid because its density is less than that of the liquid. As described in Archimedes' Principle, the buoyancy forces on an object will be equal to the weight of the liquid displaced. If the density of the object is less than that of the liquid, the weight of the liquid that would be displaced by the volume of the object will be greater than the weight of the object and the object will float. If the density of the object is more than the density of the liquid it would displace when submerged, the object will sink.

Answer 2

For a non-dissolvable object placed in a liquid, it floats or sinks based on its average density compared to the density of the liquid. A glass marble will sink in water, but will float in liquid Mercury. Most objects are said to "float" when they do not sink in water.

An object that is more dense than the liquid it is placed in will displace the liquid and sink to the bottom of the container. An object that has a lower average density than the liquid will displace a volume of liquid equal to its mass, and can float as long as that average density does not change.

A steel ship can float because the air and other materials within its hull are less dense than water. If you fill the ship with water, or cargo, or or any material that increases its average density above that of water, it will then sink. A sinking oil tanker will continue to float until water displaces the oil (which is lighter than water) from enough of its holds.

A submarine controls its submerging and surfacing by taking on water ballast in its ballast tanks, then forcing it back out with compressed air. Early submarines carried various amounts of other, heavier ballast, that could be jettisoned to return closer to the surface in an emergency.

Answer 3

An object floats when it is less dense than its surroundings. The density of any object can be found by the equation density = mass / volume. Objects of greater density than their surroundings sink while objects of lesser density rise or float. Solids are usually (but not always, as is the case of water) more dense then their liquid counterparts, and liquids are usually more dense than their gas counterparts.

Answer 4

There are less dense than water, that is to say they are lighter than water.

Answer 5

Some liquids are lighter than others because they are less dense. So when mixed together, the liquids with the lower densities will float.

Answer 6

Because they are less dense than the water.

Answer 7

Yes. Not on air, but on top of others. Low viscosity liquids, such as oil, can float on water because they are less dense than water.

Answer 8

Objects that are less dense than water will float. Water's density is around 1 g/mL Objects with a density that is less than 1g/mL will float on water

Answer 9

What causes objects to float on water is the buoyancy or in other terms, the air flowing through the object

Answer 10

If something has less density than something else, it "floats" above the something else.