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It has to do with the combination of volume and mass of an object. Together we call this its density. Density is mass divided by volume. Another factor is buoyancy: an object will sink until it has replaced as much water as it has solid mass. A big steel barrel, welded shut, will have a big volume but - because its inside is only air - very little solid mass in relation to that volume. So it floats, and a ship floats for the same reason. A pebble is all mass and very little volume, so it sinks.

But why does a little piece of solid wood then float and a same-sized pebble not? Also because of its density. Wood - or stuff like styrofoam - as a material has a much more 'open' molecular structure than stone or iron, so that gives them less solid mass and a much lower density.

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8y ago
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10y ago

The materials which are denser than the medium it is in, it begins to sink. So these types of materials have the ability to sink

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9y ago

Your question specifies "sink" AND "float".

That encompasses everything.

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Q: List of Materials that sink and float in the water?
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Materials that sink and float in the water?

Materials that are denser than water, such as metal and glass, will sink. Materials that are less dense than water, such as wood and plastic, will float. This is due to the principle of buoyancy, where an object will float if it displaces an amount of water equal to its own weight.


How well do different materials sink or float in water?

The sinking or floating of materials in water depends on their density compared to water. Materials with higher density than water will sink, while those with lower density will float. For example, metals like iron sink in water, while plastics and wood float.


Would Blocks sink or float?

Blocks made of materials like wood or plastic would typically float in water, while blocks made of materials like metal or concrete would sink. The density and composition of the block determine whether it will sink or float in water.


How do materials that float differ from materials that sink?

The ones which float have a lower density than water, whereas those which sink have a higher density than water. However, also the shape the material is in influences whether it sinks or floats.


Will the materials that float on water also float on oil?

It depends on the density of the materials and the type of oil. In general, materials that are less dense than oil will float on oil, while materials that are more dense than oil will sink. Oil has a lower density than water, so materials that float on water may or may not float on oil.


Give some exampleof materials that sink and float in water?

Examples of materials that sink in water include metals like iron and copper, as well as denser liquids like oil. On the other hand, materials that float in water include wood, plastic, and rubber.


Does asphalt float or sink?

Asphalt sinks in water because it is denser than water. Generally, solid materials that are denser than water will sink when placed in it.


Does sharpner float?

No, sharpeners do not float in water as they are usually made of materials that are denser than water, such as metal or plastic. If placed in water, the sharpener will sink to the bottom.


What causes materials to sink and float in water?

Materials sink or float in water based on their density. If an object is denser than water, it will sink; if it is less dense, it will float. The buoyant force of water pushing up on an object counteracts the force of gravity pulling it down.


Will the toy car float or sink in water?

It all depends on what it is made of. Some made of metal will sink and others made of wood will not. Also the amount of air inside the enclosed part will also determine if it will or will not float.


Do clothes float or sink?

it will float as long as it is not fully covered water.


Will arsenic float or sink in pure water?

Arsenic is denser than water, so it will sink in pure water.