why do people float in water when they are in floating in their back but they sink in a standing position?

Question

please explain

Answer 1

They probably float vertically too if they fill their lungs with air. But...The float level is above their nose and mouth, so most people don't wait to see if they level off there. Try it, take a deep breath and hold it, see if your scalp stays above water.

How well you float also depends - people with more body fat and less muscle float better, because fat weighs less than water, muscle weighs more.

Answer 2

i'm thinking you need more of an explanation than the first answerer gave, but she's right.

when you lay on your front or back in the water, you are spreading your body out more than if you were standing straight up.

Answer 3

there is more water supporting the whole body than just the feet

Answer 4

Weight displacement.

Answer 5

do you just need to talk to some one? are that question is one that has baffeled me for years, if you manage to get the answer, dont tell us will ya.