Explain why a large, heavy object might float in water, while a small, dense object sinks, in terms of pressure and buoyant force.

8 views 2 helpful Updated Jul 27, 2026
Appears in Class 8th
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Answer

An object floats if the buoyant force acting on it is equal to or greater than its weight. The buoyant force is equal to the weight of the water displaced by the object. A large, heavy object might float if its volume is large enough to displace a sufficient weight of water, even if its overall density is less than water. A small, dense object sinks if its density is greater than water and the weight of the water it displaces (buoyant force) is less than its own weight.

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