Which statement best explains how the density of an object determines whether it will sink or float in water?

• A. An object will float if its density is greater than the density of water.
• B. An object will float if its density is less than the density of water.
• C. An object will sink only if its mass is greater than the mass of water.
• D. An object will always float regardless of its density.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of density, which is defined as mass per unit volume, mathematically expressed as \(\text{density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}\).
2. Recall that whether an object sinks or floats in a fluid (like water) depends on the relative densities of the object and the fluid.
3. Compare the density of the object to the density of water (approximately 1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³): if the object's density is less than that of water, it will float; if it is greater, it will sink.
4. Recognize that the mass alone does not determine sinking or floating; it is the density (mass relative to volume) that matters because buoyant force depends on the volume of fluid displaced.
5. Conclude that the correct explanation is: an object will float if its density is less than the density of water, and sink if its density is greater.