Question 1 Multiple Choice
Why does a solid ball of clay sink but a clay bowl floats?
AThe bowl is lighter
BThe bowl shape traps air, lowering the overall density below that of water
CThe bowl is made of different clay
DThe water pushes the bowl up harder
The bowl has the same mass of clay but takes up more space because of the air inside. This makes the overall density less than water, so it floats.
Question 2 True / False
An object floats when its density is less than the density of the liquid it is in.
Answer: True
If the object's density is lower than the liquid's density, the liquid's buoyant force is strong enough to support the object, and it floats.
Question 3 Short Answer
Why is it easier to float in the ocean than in a freshwater pool?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Ocean water has dissolved salt, which makes it denser than fresh water. The denser water provides more buoyant force.
Salt water has a higher density than fresh water. Since the liquid is denser, it pushes up harder on your body, making it easier to float.