Sink or Float

Front

What is buoyancy?

Back

Buoyancy is the ability of an object to float in a fluid (like water) or rise in a gas (like air).

Front

What does it mean for an object to sink?

Back

An object sinks when it is denser than the fluid it is in, meaning it weighs more than the water it displaces.

Front

What does it mean for an object to float?

Back

An object floats when it is less dense than the fluid it is in, meaning it weighs less than the water it displaces.

Front

What is density?

Back

Density is the mass of an object divided by its volume. It determines whether an object will sink or float.

Front

Why does a coin sink in water?

Back

A coin sinks because it weighs more than the water it pushes away.

Front

What happens to a plastic bottle filled with water in water?

Back

A plastic bottle filled with water will sink because it is denser than the water.

Front

Which object will sink: a pencil, a gold ring, an apple, or a balloon?

Back

A gold ring will sink because it is denser than water.

Front

What happens to a metal spoon in water?

Back

A metal spoon will sink because it is denser than water.

Front

What is displacement?

Back

Displacement is the amount of fluid that is pushed away by an object when it is placed in the fluid.

Front

What is an example of an object that floats?

Back

A rubber duck is an example of an object that floats.