How does the density of an object that sinks in a fluid compare to the density of the fluid?

• A. The object's density is unrelated to the density of the fluid.
• B. The object's density is equal to the density of the fluid.
• C. The object's density is less than the density of the fluid.
• D. The object's density is greater than the density of the fluid.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the principle of buoyancy, which states that an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
2. Understand that whether an object sinks or floats depends on the relative densities of the object and the fluid.
3. If the object's density is greater than the fluid's density, the object will sink because its weight is greater than the buoyant force.
4. If the object's density is equal to the fluid's density, the object will be neutrally buoyant and remain suspended in the fluid.
5. If the object's density is less than the fluid's density, the object will float because the buoyant force exceeds its weight.