Which is denser: wood or water? How can you tell from the simulation?

Wood floats in water — it is less dense.

Would an apple float in honey? Why or why not?

You can work it out this way: compare apple density to honey density (~1400 kg/m³).

Why does the same object float higher in honey than in water?

Denser fluid creates more buoyant force per unit volume displaced.

Pro 🔒~10 min

Buoyancy Basics

Introduction to floating, sinking, and buoyant force

How it works

Buoyancy Basics demonstrates a key principle: An object sinks when it is denser than the surrounding fluid, and floats when it is less dense. An object sinks when it is denser than the surrounding fluid, and floats when it is less dense. The upward buoyant force equals the weight of displaced fluid. This basic principle explains why ice floats in water, why oil rises in vinegar, and why dense metals sink in water but float in liquid mercury.

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Step-by-step

Select a fluid and an object from the menus.
Drop the object into the tank and observe whether it floats or sinks.
The mass and volume display helps you calculate density.

Key formulas

$F_b = \rho_{fluid} V g$ Buoyant force
$\rho = \frac{m}{V}$ Density

Frequently asked questions

Which is denser: wood or water? How can you tell from the simulation?: Wood floats in water — it is less dense.
Would an apple float in honey? Why or why not?: You can work it out this way: compare apple density to honey density (~1400 kg/m³).
Why does the same object float higher in honey than in water?: Denser fluid creates more buoyant force per unit volume displaced.