Does it sink or float in water?

Answer 1

anything can sink or float, it all depends on its shape.

usually, buoyancy is a result of an objects density. if an object has a density greater then water (usually 1 g/cc) it'll sink and likewise, if it is less than 1, it'll float.

but if this was the only way to determine buoyancy, then why do steel ships float?

this is due to buoyant force. the buoyant force of an object is equal to the density of the liquid multiplied by the volume of the displaced water and gravity

for example, a perfectly round metal hollow hemisphere made of lead with a radius of 1 meter and a wall thickness of 1 cm would displace approx 2.1 cubic meters of water.

gravity = 9.81 m/s^2 , denisty of water = 1000 Kg/m^3, and the denisty of lead is 11340 Kg/m^3

vdisp = (4/3)*pi*((1m)^3)/2 = 2.1

bouyant force = B = p*Vdisp*g

=> B = (1000 Kg/m^3*2.1m^3*9.81m/s^2) = 20601 N

and the weight of lead is = desity * volume

=>v = ((4/3)*pi*(1m)^3)/2 - ((4/3)*pi*(.99m)^3)/2 = .0622 m^3

=>weight = .0622m^3*11340 Kg/m^3 = 705 N

20601N > 705 N the ball floats

but lets take the same amount of lead and compact it into a solid ball

vol of lead = .0622 m^3 = 4/3 pi * r^3 ==> r = .24 m

now the vdisp = 4/3*pi*(.24)^3 = .0622 m^3

recalculating ==> 1000 kg/m^3 * .0622 m^3 * 9.81m/s^2 = 145.67 N

145.67 < 705 N the ball will sink

so its all dependent on its shape, no matter what the material

Answer 2

Everything floats....it's just a matter of how long....

Answer 3

It depends on what you are asking about. Cold water sinks in water, iron sinks as well.

Answer 4

Whether an object sinks or floats depends on its density. Objects less dense than water will float. Objects denser than water will sink.

Answer 5

Whether an object sinks or floats in water is determined by its density. If the object is denser than water, it will sink. If the object is less dense than water, it will float.

Answer 6

sponge

Answer 7

cupcake