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That would depend on the shape / density of the plastic. For something to float, it must have a density less than in what it is floating It may seem odd that an enormous ship can float when steel is more dense than water. However, if you look at the entire ship you see that there are many places filled with things less dense than water, like air. This means that the density of the entire ship is less dense than that of water and it floats. however a steel bar will sink because it doesn't displace its weight in water. To further understand this you need to read about the principle of flotation to answer this question

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15y ago
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15y ago

The answer to your question depends on several factors. For example, it depends on the shape of the plastic item. If one were to be permitted to mold the plastic into the shape of a boat, then the answer to your question become "Yes." If, on the other hand, your question is "Will all plastics, in the shape of a solid cube float in water?" Then the answer becomes "No." To place your question into its simplest form, consider that a floating object displaces its weight in water, and a submerged object displaces its volume. So, if you are dealing with a solid cube, then the question merely becomes one of specific gravity. If the solid object has a specific gravity of greater than 1 (unity), then the plastic will sink. If the solid object has a specific gravity of less than unity, then the plastic will float.

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14y ago

There is a wide variety of plastic, and some of it is less dense than water, and some is more dense. There is also a lot that can be done in the manufacturing process to make the material more or less dense. Polystyrene is a plastic used to make tons of different stuff that you probably see every day. Pieces of this material sink in water. But by "mixing air" into this material during extrusion, it can be made into styrofoam. We all know how good that stuff is at floating. Some plastic sinks and some plastic floats in water, and we have to examine the plastic to determine what's what.

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14y ago

Because plastic is lighter that water so it floats. though not all plastics do float

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Anonymous

Lvl 1
4y ago
Thanks

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AnswerBot

5mo ago

Plasticine typically floats in water due to its low density and ability to trap air within its structure. This allows it to remain buoyant on the surface rather than sink.

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14y ago
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yes it does.

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14y ago

Most plastics float, but not all of them, it will depend on the actual density and the form that it is in. If it doesn't displace more water than it weighs, it will sink.

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13y ago

yes for the density of the bottle (plastic) is very small then the density of the water and depending on the volume of the water and whether the bottle have something in it.

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9y ago

The term "plastic " is far too broad to answer questions like that. There are thousands of plastics and some will float, some will not. Please be more specific in defining the plastic.

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9y ago

This depends on the density of this piece of plastic.

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Q: Does Plasticine sink or float in water?
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Related questions

Does a plasticine ball float on water?

No, plasticine is denser than water, so a plasticine ball will sink in water rather than float.


What can you do to make plasticine float?

To make plasticine float, you can shape it into a boat or raft-like structure with a concave base. By redistributing the weight and displacing enough water, the plasticine will float instead of sink.


What are ways that will make a plasticine float on water?

To make plasticine float on water, you can try shaping it into a boat or a hollow structure that traps air inside. The trapped air decreases the density of the plasticine, allowing it to float. You can also use a larger piece of plasticine to displace more water, increasing its buoyancy.


Does plasticine sink in water?

No, plasticine typically floats in water due to its low density. The air trapped within the plasticine makes it less dense than water, causing it to remain on the water's surface rather than sinking.


Does plasticine floating have to do with water displacement?

Yes, plasticine floating is related to water displacement. When plasticine floats on water, it is displacing an amount of water equal to its own weight, in accordance with Archimedes' principle. The buoyant force acting on the plasticine is greater than its weight, causing it to float.


Why can a plasticine in a shape of a boat can float?

Plasticine is less dense than water, so it displaces an amount of water that is equal to or greater than its weight. This buoyant force keeps the plasticine boat afloat on the water's surface.


Do clothes float or sink?

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


Why will a hollow boat made of plasticine float?

A hollow boat made of plasticine will float because the overall density of the boat is lower than the density of water. The buoyant force acting on the boat is greater than its weight, allowing it to float on the water's surface.


Will arsenic float or sink in pure water?

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


Why if you made a small ball of plasticine it would sink?

A small ball of plasticine is denser than water, so it displaces less water than its own weight. This results in a net downward force on the ball, causing it to sink.


Will a fork sink or float?

A fork will sink in water, as it is denser than water. The density of an object determines whether it will sink or float in water.


Can asphalt float on water?

Asphalt is denser than water and will sink in water rather than float.