Does water float?

Question

This was asked by my 3 year old neice.

Answer 1

To the outer portion of my stomach...

BLOATED!

Actually, I believe it depends on the form/density of it. For example, ice floats (where as typically things that are more dense do not float!)

Answer 2

Please do not listen to these guys. Oil floats on water. NOT the other way around. Oil weighs 8.55 lbs/gal and water weighs almost 9. OIL FLOATS on water. Anything more dense than water would cause the water to float.

Alcohol is less dense than water and floats.... note the flaming drinks... have to be at least 100 proof (which is the equivalent to 50% alcohol).

Mercury is more dense and would cause water to float.
Salt water is more dense than regular water.
Blood is more dense than water.

Answer 3

Here is an experiment you can try with your niece. Take a bottle of food coloring after you have a bathtub full or the sink and submerge your hand and squirt a little of the coloring preferably red out. You will then be able to see the movement of the water.

Answer 4

Water does float on liquids with very high density.
Eg. many petroleum products like tar

Answer 5

Yes. Less dense water floats on top of more dense water.

Answer 6

I cannot answer that, but that is very complicated question. I am sure scientist and physicist can argue over that. That is very intelligent question, especially for a three year old. You must be very proud.

Answer 7

Hot water floats over cold water... or anything denser than it..

Answer 8

water can float on top of something that has a higher density.

Answer 9

It floats in liquids less dense, like oil.

Answer 10

Only when it's ice or combined with a liquid more dense that it's self.