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An object that weighs less than an equal volume of water will float in water because it would have to push that much water out of the way in order to sink.
(Edited Answer) Actually it depends on Density of the object, If the Density of the object is less then the liquid then it will float, but if the density of the object is more then the liquid then it will sink. For Example: Woods Density is less then water so it floats, but say a metal weight was put in water it will sink because its density is more then the water. Get it? Hope this Helps!
(Additional Edited Answer) Since density is equal to weight divided by volume, then guess what, floating DOES have something to do with weight, and since in my original answer I specified both weight and volume, I was therefore talking about density. So why didn't I use the term density, you ask? Well, the question specifically asked for the simplest way to explain the phenomenon of floating, and the concept of weight is simpler than that of density, so I phrased it in that way. An object whose weight is less than an equal volume of water is therefore less dense than water. Pay attention.
(Added Edited Answer)
Yes...I understand you, its just that most students take your answer and have a misconception that if the object weighs more then the liquid then it would sink and if it weighed less it would float. Nothing against you answer its just that I thought it would just confuse people!
Objects float when they displace a volume of water that is equal to or greater than their own weight. This is known as buoyancy. Objects sink when their density is greater than the density of the fluid they are placed in, causing them to be pulled down by gravity.
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How do you explain why things sink or float to a 5 year old?
Things sink if they are heavy and push the water down, and float if they are light and let the water hold them up like a balloon.
Why do some things flaot while others sink?
Some things float or sink based on their density. Objects that are less dense than the liquid they are placed in will float, while those that are more dense will sink. Additionally, the shape and size of an object can also affect whether it floats or sinks.
Why some things float but others sink?
The buoyancy of an object determines if it will float or sink. Objects with a density less than that of the fluid they are placed in will float, while objects with greater density will sink. Additionally, the shape and size of an object can also affect whether it floats or sinks.
Do things float in alcohol?
Yes. For every fluid, there are things that float in it ... they just have to be things that are less dense than the fluid. That's how stones float in mercury, logs float in water, and hot balloons float in air.
How and why do some things float and others sink?
Objects float when the weight of the water they displace is greater than their own weight, creating an upward buoyant force. Objects sink when their weight is greater than the buoyant force acting on them, causing them to descend in the water. The density and shape of an object determine whether it will float or sink.
Why do things float but not others?
because of buoyancy!
How do you explain why things sink or float to a 5 year old?
Things sink if they are heavy and push the water down, and float if they are light and let the water hold them up like a balloon.
What is a liquid that makes things float?
It is quite common for various things to float in water. But any liquid can cause things to float.
How do you make things float?
You can't make things float, things float by it's self's it's density is lower than 1 it can float, if it's density is greater than 1 it can't float.
Does salt water float?
On some liquids it will float, on others it will not.
Why do some things flaot while others sink?
Some things float or sink based on their density. Objects that are less dense than the liquid they are placed in will float, while those that are more dense will sink. Additionally, the shape and size of an object can also affect whether it floats or sinks.
Explain how determine timing of activities and of total float?
how you determined the timing of activities and the total float?
Can everything float in the ocean?
no because some things are denser then others and might sink for ex:Rock,shoe,cookin pan and ecc.
Does sea salt make things float?
Yes any salt can make things float
What causes certain things to float and others to sink?
@it's called buoyancy because some things are heavier than others .......................... that is a good theory but no, buoyancy does cause it but buoyancy also needs air pressure took keep afloat .
Why is it easier for things/people to float in saltwater?
The book called The Day The Sun Came Out, by Dorothy M.Johnson. Please explain well, Why is Mary strong, risktake, and resourceful?
What does boats have to do with science?
Science is what can explain how boats float and work.
