Whether an object sinks or floats depends on its density. Density is how much 'stuff' (mass) is packed into a certain amount of space (volume). If an object is denser than water, it will sink. If it's less dense, it will float. Even big things can float if they are spread out enough – think of a huge ship!
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Density | A. The amount of space an object takes up |
| 2. Mass | B. The amount of 'stuff' in an object |
| 3. Volume | C. How heavy something is compared to its size |
| 4. Float | D. To rest on the surface of a liquid |
| 5. Sink | E. To fall below the surface of a liquid |
Match the term to the correct definition:
1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D, 5-E
An object will ______ if it is less dense than water. A rock is ______ than water, so it will ______. A large boat can float because it is designed to displace a large ______ of water.
Answers: float, denser, sink, volume
Imagine you have a ball of clay. If you drop the ball of clay into water, it sinks. But if you flatten the clay into the shape of a boat, it floats. Why does changing the shape change whether it sinks or floats?
Answer: When the clay is in the shape of a ball, it has a smaller volume and is denser than water, causing it to sink. When the clay is shaped into a boat, it displaces more water, increasing its volume and decreasing its overall density relative to the water, allowing it to float. The boat shape spreads the clay's weight over a larger area.
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