If a coin has a density greater than that of water, what will happen when it is placed in water?

• A. It will float on the surface.
• B. It will dissolve in water.
• C. It will sink to the bottom.
• D. It will remain suspended in the middle.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of density: Density is defined as mass per unit volume, mathematically expressed as \(\text{density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}\).
2. Recall the principle of buoyancy: An object placed in a fluid will experience an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
3. Compare the density of the coin to the density of water: If the coin's density is greater than that of water, it means the coin is heavier per unit volume than water.
4. Apply the density comparison to predict behavior in water: Since the coin is denser, the buoyant force is not enough to keep it afloat, so it will sink.
5. Conclude that the coin will sink to the bottom of the water because objects denser than the fluid they are in do not float but instead move downward due to gravity overcoming buoyancy.