Floating and Sinking

Question 1

Why do ocean liners float when they weigh thousands of tonnes?

Answer 1

• Because they displace huge amounts of water

Question 2

What must be true for an object to float?

Answer 2

Must displace its own weight of the surrounding fluid.

Upthrust = weight

Question 3

Rules if an object sinks?

Answer 3

Upthrust < Weight

Question 4

What will happen to the object if it is DENSER than the fluid?

Answer 4

• Upthrust will be less than the weight and it will sink

Question 5

What will happen to the object if it is less dense than the fluid?

Answer 5

Upthrust is greater than the weight so the object will float