Experiment: Floating and Sinking of Objects

Objective:

To observe and determine whether various objects (eraser, stone, plastic ball, cardboard, and
lemon) will float or sink when placed in water and to understand the reasons behind their
behavior.

Materials:

 Eraser
 Stone
 Plastic ball
 Cardboard piece
 Lemon
 Container filled with water

Procedure:

1. Fill a container with water.

2. Gently place each object (eraser, stone, plastic ball, cardboard, and lemon) into the water
one at a time.
3. Observe whether each object floats or sinks.
4. Record the observations.

Observations:

1. Eraser:
o Observation: The eraser sinks to the bottom of the container.
o Reason: Erasers are typically made of dense materials such as rubber. The density
of the eraser is higher than that of water, causing it to sink.
2. Stone:
o Observation: The stone sinks to the bottom of the container.
o Reason: Stones are generally composed of minerals and have a much higher
density than water. Due to its high density, the stone sinks.
3. Plastic Ball:
o Observation: The plastic ball floats on the surface of the water.
o Reason: Plastic balls are usually hollow or filled with air, making their overall
density lower than that of water. This low density allows the plastic ball to float.
4. Cardboard:
o Observation: The cardboard piece initially floats on the surface but may
eventually become waterlogged and sink.
 Reason: Cardboard is made of fibrous material that has a lower density than
o
water, allowing it to float initially. However, as it absorbs water, its density
increases, which may cause it to eventually sink.
5. Lemon:
o Observation: The lemon floats on the surface of the water.
o Reason: A lemon has a thick, porous rind filled with tiny air pockets, which
makes its overall density lower than that of water. This allows the lemon to float.

Explanation:

The key principle behind whether an object floats or sinks in water is its density relative to water.
Density is defined as mass per unit volume (density = mass/volume). If an object's density is
greater than that of water (approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter at room temperature), it
will sink. Conversely, if the object's density is less than that of water, it will float.

1. Eraser: Higher density than water, hence sinks.

2. Stone: Higher density than water, hence sinks.
3. Plastic Ball: Lower density than water, hence floats.
4. Cardboard: Initially lower density than water, hence floats. If waterlogged, it may sink.
5. Lemon: Lower density than water due to air pockets, hence floats.

Additionally, the shape and structure of the object play a crucial role in determining buoyancy.
An object that displaces more water (like a hollow plastic ball or a lemon with air pockets)
experiences a greater buoyant force, which can help it float even if the material itself is relatively
dense.

Conclusion:

The experiment demonstrates that the floating or sinking of an object in water is primarily
determined by its density relative to water and the volume of water it displaces. Understanding
these principles helps explain the behavior of various objects when placed in a fluid. Objects
with a density higher than water sink, while those with a lower density float. The presence of air
pockets or hollow spaces can significantly reduce an object's density, contributing to its
buoyancy.