Final answer:
The correct hypothesis is that if an object is denser than water, it will sink because its mass per unit volume is greater, causing it to be heavier than the water displaced, which results in sinking.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write a hypothesis about using an object’s physical characteristics to determine its density, we should use our understanding of physics and the principles governing the behavior of objects in a fluid. When considering the provided statements to form a hypothesis, we must refer to Archimedes' principle and the concept that density is mass per unit volume. From this, we can deduce that:
- Option a is correct: If an object is denser, it will sink in water, because water displaces less dense objects, and an object with a higher density than water will be heavier than the water it displaces, resulting in it sinking.
- Option b is incorrect: Denser objects are not buoyant in water. They sink because their density is higher than that of water.
- Option c is incorrect: Density is not inversely related to mass; in fact, density is mass divided by volume, so a higher density could mean a larger mass for the same volume.
- Option d is incorrect: The absorption of light is not directly related to density; different materials have different light absorption properties regardless of their densities.
Therefore, the correct hypothesis is: If an object is denser than a fluid such as water, it will sink, because its mass per unit volume is greater, rendering the buoyant force exerted by the water insufficient to keep it afloat.