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If you've ever seen a plank of wood or even an entire log floating along a river, then you've probably wondered how and why this happens!

When something like a log of wood is put into water, it pushes down on the water and the water moves aside to make room for the object. (Think, for example, of how the water in the bathtub moves aside and makes room for you when you step into the tub!) When there is enough water to push back up against the object with the same force as the object is pushing down, then the object will float!

That's why a piece of wood that is lightweight for its size will float in a big body of water, like the ocean or a river. However, that same piece of wood might not float in a different smaller body of water, such as your swimming pool or tub!

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12y ago

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