As you determine whether an object will sink or float in a specific fluid, consider the three simple rules.
Sink or Float?
- If the object is more dense than the fluid, then it will sink.
- If the object is less dense than the fluid, then it will float.
- If the object has the same density as the fluid, then it will neither sink nor float.
In each case below, determine whether the object will sink or float in water (997 kg/m3). Click on the object to check your answer.
| cement (1201 kg/m3) | sink |
| coconut oil (924 kg/m3) | float |
| maple syrup (1362 kg/m3) | sink |
| iron chips 2643 kg/m3) | sink |
| lima beans (721 kg/m3) | float |
| ice (881 kg/m3) | float |
| unshelled peanuts (240 kg/m3) | float |
| sandstone (1281 kg/m3) | sink |
