Relative Density

Relative density is a measure of how dense an object is compared to the density of a reference substance, usually water.

Objects sink in water if they are more dense than water.

Objects float in water if they are less dense than water.

The metal screw will sink in water.

Density is the mass of an object divided by its volume.

You can determine if an object will sink or float by comparing its density to the density of water.

The density of water is approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at 4°C.

If an object has the same density as water, it will neither sink nor float; it will remain suspended in the water.

A bobber floats because it is less dense than water.

A rock sinks because it is more dense than water.