why does a flat piece of foil float? and how does that relate to the bigger body of science? what makes a flat piece of wood float on the ocean? thanks
2006-09-25 12:13:05 · 8 answers · asked by hello 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
foil is less dense than water.
2006-09-25 12:18:31 · answer #1 · answered by invsblesecret 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In this case, buoyancy may not be the answer. If the piece of foil is formed like the hull of a boat or canoe, yes...buoyancy is the cause: Displaced water weight is more than the weight of the "boat"....same for wood blocks.
If the foil is flat, it will "float" because the surface tension meniscus isn't being broken. Essentially, the attraction between the water molecules is greater than the force applied by the foil. The foil doesn't really float, but rests on the unbroken surface of the water.
If you're patient, you can get a sewing needle to "float" in this manner. A sewing needle wil never displace enough water to truly float, but it can rest on the surface.
2006-09-25 19:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by Professor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that foil floats on water is different than why wood floats on water. The previous answers are correct with respect to wood since it is less dense than water, it displaces a volume of water equal to it's weight. Since the water displaced is less than the volume of the wood, it floats.
On the other hand, foil is made of aluminum which is more dense than water. So why does it float? The reason is that there is another force in play, which is the surface tension of the water. This is the same force that causes capillary action of water. Since the area the foil covers is great enough that the surface tension of the water won't break under the relatively light weight of the foil.
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2006-09-25 19:27:25 · answer #3 · answered by odu83 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The flat piece of foil has a certain weight that is distributed all over the water. If you were to crumple that piece of foil up, you'd have more mass per surface area, and therefore it'd sink. The salt in the ocean water allows wood to float. When salt was added to the water (standard salt water from the ocean), the water became more dense, therefore allowing the water to hold up the piece of wood, as it is more dense then the wood.
2006-09-25 19:34:09 · answer #4 · answered by holla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the Archimedes principle, the weight of the water being displaced weighs more than the foil so it floats.
2006-09-25 19:17:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
density (mass divided by volume)
if the density of one substance is less than the other it will float
if the density of one substance is greater than the other it will sink
so in this case the density of tin foil must be less than that of the substance its floating in
2006-09-25 19:22:14 · answer #6 · answered by SlimShadyGirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it has to do with how dense the object is in relation to the body of water.
2006-09-25 19:21:43 · answer #7 · answered by Sierra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it is not as dense as the water it is on, it then floats, its simple really
2006-09-25 19:20:44 · answer #8 · answered by hard times 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋