“Floating Sinking” explores the physics behind why objects float or sink, focusing on buoyancy and density. It reveals how these principles operate in everyday scenarios, from toys in a bathtub to massive ships. Did you know that an object floats when the upward buoyant force equals its weight? Or that Archimedes' principle, discovered over two millennia ago, still underpins our understanding of displacement today?
The book explains core concepts like mass, volume, and Archimedes' principle, before moving on to factors like fluid density and object shape. Density is a measure of how much “stuff” is packed into a space. For example, a small rock sinks because it is more dense than water, while a large log floats when it is less dense.
The book then illustrates how buoyancy principles are applied in boat design, enabling vessels to displace enough water to support their weight.
Finally, the book presents real-world applications and simple experiments, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience, even those without prior science knowledge. By the end, readers will gain a solid foundation in the science of floating and sinking.