Question

A ball of clay sinks when placed in water. The same piece of clay floats if it is made into the shape of a boat.

Why does the clay float when made into the shape of a boat?
a. The clay is less dense when stretched into the shape of a boat.
b. The buoyant force is greater on the clay when it has a spherical shape.
c. The boat shape displaces a greater volume of water than the ball shape.
d. The weight of the clay boat is less than the weight of the clay ball.

Answer 1

c. The boat shape displaces a greater volume of water than the ball shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The correct answer is definitely d. The weight of the clay boat is less than the weight of the clay ball.
In such situations, the point that we should take as a basis to resolve a question is weight. If the weight of clay is less than that of a clay ball, the clay will float.