Explore how objects float or sink based on their density relative to surrounding liquids.
Test different objects in our density column to observe buoyancy in action!
Current Object: Cork
Density: 0.2 g/cm³
Oil (0.8 g/cm³)
Water (1.0 g/cm³)
Syrup (1.3 g/cm³)
Cork
Observation:
The cork floats on oil because its density (0.2 g/cm³) is less than oil's density (0.8 g/cm³).
The Science of Density
Density Formula:
Density (ρ) = Mass (m) / Volume (V)
Objects float when their density is less than the surrounding fluid, and sink when it's greater.
Key Concepts:
Density determines whether objects float or sink
Buoyant force equals weight of displaced fluid
Layered liquids self-organize by density
Archimedes' Principle explains floating objects
Density Reference Table:
Material
Density (g/cm³)
Behavior in Water
Cork
0.20-0.25
Floats on oil
Wood (pine)
0.50-0.70
Floats on water
Plastic (HDPE)
0.93-0.97
Floats at water surface
Water
1.00
Reference point
Aluminum
2.70
Sinks
Iron
7.87
Sinks rapidly
Real-world Applications:
Shipbuilding: Designing hulls to displace enough water
Hot Air Balloons: Using less dense hot air to float
Oil Spills: Oil floats on water due to lower density
