Do wood shavings dissolve in water?

Answer 1

Yes , it does.

To understand why, you have consider density vs. volume vs mass. Although wood, does have more density than water (its atoms are more "together") water by its very nature is in liquid form. When a piece of wood is placed in water, the water sorrounding the piece of wood gets displaced. If the pool of water is deep enough and wide enough, it will "hold" the piece of wood. Water has a property known as surface tension, meaning that water can "stick together" and "hold" things (albeit very small) This principle of wood floating has been known since the time of Romans and Greeks, but its actual science was not known then.

For more information ask your local High School Science teacher. You may also do good on research about Density, Volume, Mass and Weight of Matter.

P.S. I teach Science at a High School level.

ANS2:Not all wood floats in water. Two types of wood that will not float in water are Balsa and Sycamore. Both sink in fresh water when freshly cut down.

Answer 2

Well I am doing an experiment right now, all you need is

1. Test tube

2. Toothpicks/ cocktail sticks

and just put water in it with the toothpicks, leave it for as much days until it dissolves.

If it doesn't then just forget it.

Answer 3

I dont think this happens, i havent done an experiment to verify it, but it would seem that no early ships could have sailed if this was the case since we made ships from wood since aincent times...that and trees dont dissolve when it rains etc....

Answer 4

Wood ash is sparingly soluble in water.

{burning of magnesium ribbon produces a similar ash ,therefore;

when it is dissolved in water MgOH2 is formed.It turns red litmus blue,which means it is a base and chemical reaction does not occur.

Answer 5

if wood is burning then the fire will stop igniting and if it is simple than it will get only wet

Answer 6

Nope :D soluble means dissolve

Answer 7

no