answersLogoWhite

0

According to Archimedes's principle:Any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

So certain shapes will displace more water/fluid and therefore have more force pushing them up. The classic example is an ocean liner which displaces a lot of water so it floats even though it is very heavy. A piece of heavy metal, say a cube, displaces very little water so it sinks. Even a cube of light metal (Aluminum for example) sinks.

A concrete ship, however, can float. A ball floats just as well as a raft, but it's a question of water displacement. A raft displaces the same amount of water as a ball of the same size, but it is spread over a wider area and therefore "sinks" less than a ball would. Also, things with wider bases are less likely to capsize.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

What are the factors that determine wether an object will sink or float?

The main factors that determine whether an object will sink or float are its density compared to the density of the fluid it is in. An object will float if its density is less than the density of the fluid, and it will sink if its density is greater. Other factors that can affect whether an object will sink or float include its shape and the presence of any air pockets or empty spaces within the object.


Does the shape of a sustance determine if it will sink or float?

Yes, the shape of an object does have an impact on whether it will sink or float. The shape affects the distribution of weight or mass, and thus the overall density of the object. Objects that are less dense than the fluid they are placed in will float, while those that are denser will sink.


Does the shape of an object affect whether it sinks or floats?

Yes, the shape of an object can affect whether it sinks or floats. Objects with a higher density than water will sink, regardless of shape. However, objects with lower density may float, and the shape can influence stability and displacement.


How can we determine if an object will float or sink?

An object will float if it is less dense than the fluid it is placed in, and it will sink if it is more dense. This is determined by comparing the object's density to the density of the fluid using the principle of buoyancy. Additionally, the shape and volume of the object can also influence whether it will float or sink.


How does the shape of an object affect whether or not it will float in water?

The shape of an object affects its density and buoyancy in water. Objects with a lower density than water will float, regardless of their shape, while objects with a higher density will sink. The shape can influence the distribution of mass and volume, impacting the overall density and therefore the floating or sinking behavior of the object.

Related Questions

What are the factors that determine wether an object will sink or float?

The main factors that determine whether an object will sink or float are its density compared to the density of the fluid it is in. An object will float if its density is less than the density of the fluid, and it will sink if its density is greater. Other factors that can affect whether an object will sink or float include its shape and the presence of any air pockets or empty spaces within the object.


Does the shape of a sustance determine if it will sink or float?

Yes, the shape of an object does have an impact on whether it will sink or float. The shape affects the distribution of weight or mass, and thus the overall density of the object. Objects that are less dense than the fluid they are placed in will float, while those that are denser will sink.


Does the shape of an object affect whether it sinks or floats?

Yes, the shape of an object can affect whether it sinks or floats. Objects with a higher density than water will sink, regardless of shape. However, objects with lower density may float, and the shape can influence stability and displacement.


How can we determine if an object will float or sink?

An object will float if it is less dense than the fluid it is placed in, and it will sink if it is more dense. This is determined by comparing the object's density to the density of the fluid using the principle of buoyancy. Additionally, the shape and volume of the object can also influence whether it will float or sink.


How does the shape of an object affect whether or not it will float in water?

The shape of an object affects its density and buoyancy in water. Objects with a lower density than water will float, regardless of their shape, while objects with a higher density will sink. The shape can influence the distribution of mass and volume, impacting the overall density and therefore the floating or sinking behavior of the object.


Would they float with ease?

The specific object or material of interest needs to be specified to determine if it would float with ease. Factors like density, shape, and volume play a significant role in determining whether an object will float or sink in a given liquid.


What factors determine whether objects sink or float?

The factors that determine whether objects sink or float include their density, shape, and the density of the fluid they are placed in. Objects with higher density than the fluid will sink, while those with lower density will float. The shape of the object can also affect its buoyancy, as well as any air pockets or hollow spaces within the object.


Does the shape of the paper clip change the ability to float?

The shape of the paper clip does not significantly impact its ability to float. Factors such as the density of the material and the displacement of water are more important in determining whether an object floats or sinks.


What factors determine wheter or not an object will float?

An object will float if its density is less than the density of the fluid it's placed in. The buoyant force acting on the object must be greater than or equal to the object's weight for it to stay afloat. The shape and size of the object also play a role in determining whether it will float.


How does the shape of an object affect whether it sinks or floats?

The shape of an object affects whether it sinks or floats by determining its density and displacement of water. Objects with higher density than water will sink, while those with lower density will float. The shape can also impact how much water is displaced, affecting buoyancy.


How do objects float on water?

Objects float on water when the weight of the object is less than the weight of the water it displaces. This is due to the buoyant force pushing up on the object. The shape and density of the object also play a role in determining whether it will float or sink.


How will you determine if an object will sink or float?

Archimedes principle: the buoyant force on a submerged object will be equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.Basically if the object is more dense than the fluid it is put into, it will sink, if it is less dense, it will float.The density of an object and its shape and its design are important in deciding whether it will sink or float.