Why is it inaccurate to say that heavy objects sink and that light objects float? Give examples to support your answer.
The correct answer and explanation is:
It is inaccurate to say that heavy objects sink and light objects float because whether an object sinks or floats depends on its density, not just its weight. Density is defined as mass per unit volume, and it determines how an object interacts with a fluid like water. If an object is denser than the fluid, it will sink; if it is less dense, it will float. This principle is described by Archimedes’ principle.
For example, a small stone, which may seem heavy, will sink in water because its density is higher than that of water. On the other hand, a large wooden log, which may weigh more than the stone, will float. The log’s density is lower than water’s, meaning the volume of water it displaces creates an upward buoyant force greater than its weight, allowing it to float.
Another example is a metal ship. Ships are made from steel, which is much denser than water. However, they float because the shape of the ship causes it to displace a large volume of water, making the overall density of the ship and the air inside it lower than the density of water. This results in buoyancy that supports the ship’s weight, even though it is made of a material that is denser than water.
Thus, sinking or floating is determined by an object’s overall density compared to the fluid it is in, not simply its weight. A light object with a high density, like a small piece of iron, may sink, while a heavy object with a low density, like a large piece of wood, may float.