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Because of the surface tension: the attracting force between the water molecules, which effectively causes a "skin" on the top of the water. Drop a few drops of soap in the water and the needle will sink, because the soap weakens the bond between the water's molecules.

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Why do needle sinks in water but ship floats?

Whether something sinks when it's placed on water is determined by the amount (weight) of water that it displaces. The needle, being small in size and relatively high in mass (relative to its size), displaces very little water when it is placed on the surface. The weight of the needle will be more than the weight of the water that it displaces and the needle will sink. The ship, though many times heavier than the needle, will displace alot more water than the needle. The ship will float if the weight of the displaced water is more than the weight of the ship.


How does an object's density determines whether it floats or sinks?

An object will float if it is less dense than the liquid it is placed in. An object will sink if it is more dense than the liquid it is placed in.


How does an object's density determine whether it floats or sinks?

An object will float if it is less dense than the liquid it is placed in. An object will sink if it is more dense than the liquid it is placed in.


Why does a needle float in water?

It doesn't actually float, since its density is greater than water. It is kept from sinking by the surface tensionof the water. This phenomenon is created by the formation of polar bonds between the surface water molecules. To make this happen, the needle must be carefully placed on the calm surface of the water, usually held in a container like a glass tumbler (easier to keep the surface calm, than in a wider container like a bowl).If you wish to prove this principle, here is a very successful method:1. Place a piece of tissue, slightly larger than the needle is long, flat on the surface of the water.2. Lay the needle carefully on the tissue.When the tissue becomes saturated and sinks away from the needle, the needle will remain on the surface of the water. If you wish, once the tissue sinks, It can be removed (carefully) from the system with tweezers. Then you can amaze your friends with your imponderable, impossible feat, of floating a needle. This method will work with a paper clip as well. Any metal object, with smooth surfaces and not too heavy, may be used.Tip: shape matters. Common pins have been used, but often they won't work because their heads breach the tension membrane.More Information:Surface tension. The needle is thin and light, so it just lays on the water. Surface tension is what we call a thin flexible membrane, formed by the polar bonding of surface water molecules, to each other. like a water bed for very light objects.


What happens to an object when it is placed in a more dense liquid or gas?

it floats


What an object that is less dense than water will do when placed in water?

shape


When an object is less dense than water will do when placed in water?

shape


What an object is less dense than water will do when placed in water?

shape


When objects are less dense than liquid in which they are placed what happens?

They float.


What is dence?

Dense means how much water and object will take up when placed in water.


What will an object less dense then water do when placed in water float or sink?

float


How can you make sand appear to float around in water?

This is a thin layer on the waters surface where all the water molecules try to crowd together. If something is light enough it will float on this layer if it doesn't break through the layer even though it is more dense than water. If you are careful you can do a neat trick. Get a glass of water (it has to be clean with no detergent left over from washing) and carefully place a needle on the surface and if you are very careful the needle will float on the surface. If you wipe it over with a magnet a few times before doing,XOXO, I HOPE THAT I SERV YOUYOUR WELCOME!!