1.4 Density & Flotation

Density & Archimedes' Principle Lab

Dunk blocks of varying masses and volumes into fluids of differing densities. Calculate block densities and verify Archimedes' buoyant force calculations.

Virtual Viewport
120gFloating (80% submerged)
Block Density (m/V)
0.800 g/cm³
Liquid Density (ρ_L)
1.00 g/cm³

Active Sliders

mBlock Mass120g
20250

Mass of the solid block.

VBlock Volume150cm³
50300

Physical volume of the block.

ρ_LLiquid Density1.00g/cm³
0.71.5

Density of fluid (Water = 1.0, Oil = 0.8, Salt = 1.2).

Syllabus Objectives

  • Define density and apply ρ = m/V
  • Explain the floating and sinking criteria based on density ratios
  • Calculate buoyant force as weight of fluid displaced.

Mathematical Equations

Density Formula
ρ = mV
Buoyant Force
F_b = ρ_{fluid} V_{submerged} g

Inquiry Guide Sheet

1

Set Block Mass to 100g and Volume to 200 cm³. Notice if it floats. What is the block density?

2

Vary the liquid density to Oil (0.8 g/cm³) and Saltwater (1.2 g/cm³). Watch how the submerged fraction changes.

3

Calculate the buoyant force for a floating block and show it equals the gravitational weight.