PHYSICS: FLOATING AND SINKING OF OBJECTS

 FLOATING AND SINKING OF OBJECTS

1. Meaning of Floating and Sinking

Floating: Is when an object stays on the surface of water or another liquid.

Examples: Wood, a boat and an empty plastic bottle.

Sinking: Is when an object goes down to the bottom of water or another liquid.

Examples: A stone, a coin and an iron nail.

2. When Does Floating and Sinking Happen?

• Floating happens when the upthrust balances the weight of an object.

• Sinking happens when the weight of an object is greater than the upthrust.

3. Examples of Objects That Float and Sink

Objects that float:

1. Wood
2. Cork
3. Dry leaves
4. Empty plastic bottles
5. Boats

Objects that sink:

1. Stones
2. Coins
3. Iron nails
4. Glass marbles
5. Pieces of metal

4. Factors Affecting Floating and Sinking

The factors are:

1. Density: Objects that are less dense than water usually float.
2. Weight: An object sinks when its weight is greater than the upthrust.
3. Shape: Hollow objects, such as boats, can float on water.
4. Type of liquid: Objects may float more easily in some liquids than in others.
5. Upthrust: This is the upward force exerted by a liquid on an object.

Short Summary

• Floating means staying on the surface of a liquid.
• Sinking means going down to the bottom of a liquid.
• A boat floats on water.
• A stone sinks in water.
• Density, weight, shape and upthrust affect floating and sinking.

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