A wooden block with low density relative to water will do what in water?

A wooden block with low density relative to water will do what in water?

• A. Sink
• B. Remain suspended
• C. Float
• D. Dissolve

Answer: (C)

Buoyancy is about how much water an object has to displace to balance its weight. A wooden block with density lower than water weighs less per unit volume than the water it would displace, so the upward buoyant force from the displaced water can balance its weight when part of the block is underwater. That balance lets the block float with a portion under the surface and the rest above it. If the block were denser than water, it would sink; if it were about the same density, it could be neutrally buoyant, but a low-density wood naturally floats.

Buoyancy is about how much water an object has to displace to balance its weight. A wooden block with density lower than water weighs less per unit volume than the water it would displace, so the upward buoyant force from the displaced water can balance its weight when part of the block is underwater. That balance lets the block float with a portion under the surface and the rest above it. If the block were denser than water, it would sink; if it were about the same density, it could be neutrally buoyant, but a low-density wood naturally floats.