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An aluminum foil boat floats because it is more dense than water, therefore the surface tension of the water is able to hold the boat up.

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Does aluminum sink or float in water and why?

Generally speaking, a denser substance will sink in a less dense substance. Assuming standard temperatures, since aluminum has a density of about 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter and water only has 1 gram per cc, aluminum would sink. A thin aluminum foil could float by virtue of the surface tension on water (but if submerged, will sink). An aluminum boat would float because it displaces a greater mass of water than its own weight. An aluminum block could also float on a liquid of higher density than the aluminum.


What allows a aluminum boat to float with pennies in it?

An aluminum boat floats due to its hull displacing water, creating buoyant force greater than its weight. By adding pennies, the weight increases, but as long as the buoyant force generated by displacing water is greater than the total weight (boat + pennies), the boat will continue to float.


How can aluminum float on water?

Shape the aluminum to look like a boat, so it displaces enough water to float. The force supporting the aluminum is the buoyant force. It is equal to the weight of the volume of water displaced.


How does a tin foil raft float?

A tin foil raft, which is just a flat piece of tin foil (which we know is really aluminum foil), floats by means of the surface tension of the water that supports it. We all know that aluminum is more dense than water. A block or other chunk of aluminum would sink in water. But because the aluminum foil is thin, its mass is "spread out" over a wide area, and this causes a broad interaction with the surface tension characteristic of water. Use the links below to check facts and learn more.


Why does the same piece of foil float or sink?

The same piece of foil can float or sink depending on its shape and how it is positioned in the water. If the foil is shaped to trap air, it will float. If the foil is crumpled or folded so it doesn't trap air, it will sink.

Related Questions

Why do boat made from aluminum foil float in xenon gas?

it floats because the xenon gas particles are heavier that the aluminum foil's.


Why does aluminum foil float?

The aluminum foil is less dense than the water which makesit float. Aluminum foil is not less dense than water. It is more dense. The reason that aluminum foil floats is that the surface tension of the water will hold the sheet of foil. If you still think that the aluminum foil is less dense than water, try floating a roll of foil in a bucket.


How can aluminum foil float in water?

A thin aluminum foil can float on water if placed carefully flat on the surface because of the surface tension of water. If you were to submerge it, the foil will sink.


Is aluminum foil float on water?

A thin aluminum foil, (which is denser than water) could float on the surface if carefully placed, by virtue of the surface tension of water. But if submerged, the foil would sink due to its higher density. Generally speaking, a denser substance will sink in a less dense substance. Assuming standard temperatures, since aluminum has a density of about 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter and water only has 1 gram per cc, aluminum would sink. (An aluminum boat would float because it displaces a greater mass of water than its own weight.)


Can you make a piece of aluminum foil float in air?

No, aluminum foil is denser than air so it will not float on its own. It would require a strong updraft or force, such as being propelled by a fan or other means, to keep it suspended in the air.


Why can aluminum float?

Generally speaking, a denser substance will sink in a less dense substance. Assuming standard temperatures, since aluminum has a density of about 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter and water only has 1 gram per cc, aluminum would sink. A thin aluminum foil could float by virtue of the surface tension on water (but if submerged, will sink). An aluminum boat would float because it displaces a greater mass of water than its own weight. An aluminum block could also float on a liquid of higher density.


Will foil float on oil?

Yes, foil will float on oil. This is because aluminum foil is less dense than oil, allowing it to stay on the surface rather than sinking. However, the specific behavior can depend on the thickness and shape of the foil, as well as the type of oil.


Is a aluminum foil a compound or elements?

Aluminum is element. Aluminum foil is made entirely of aluminum.


Is aluminum foil an element?

Aluminum foil is made of Aluminum, which is an element. So yes Aluminum foil is a element


Does aluminum sink or float in water and why?

Generally speaking, a denser substance will sink in a less dense substance. Assuming standard temperatures, since aluminum has a density of about 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter and water only has 1 gram per cc, aluminum would sink. A thin aluminum foil could float by virtue of the surface tension on water (but if submerged, will sink). An aluminum boat would float because it displaces a greater mass of water than its own weight. An aluminum block could also float on a liquid of higher density than the aluminum.


What type of metal is found in aluminum foil?

Aluminum foil is made of aluminum metal.


What is the best design for an aluminum foil boat to hold pennies?

A design with a wide base and tall walls is desirable for an aluminum foil boat. You want enough surface area supporting the pennies so they will keep floating and to not compromise that for wall height to keep water from enter your vessel.