Question

suppose a scientist found a new matal-like substance in the desert. He determined its mass to be 20 grams. The volume was determined by water displacement to be 5 cm^3. What is the density of the substance? Will it sink or float in liquid water ( 1g/cm^3)?

Answer 1

Density = (mass) / (volume)

Density = (20 g) / (5 cm³)

Density = 4 g/cm³ .

The density of the substance is greater than the density of water. A lump of the substance will sink in water, unless the lump is formed into a shape that displaces 20 cm³ of water or more, such as a tiny boat shape.