Question

A material will float on the surface of a liquid if the material has a density less than that of the liquid. Given that the density of water is approximately 1.0 g/mL, will a block of material having a volume of 1.2 x 10^4 in^3 and weighing 350 lb float or sink when placed in a reservoir of water? [I just don't want the answer, I'd like to know how to solve this, please.]

Answer 1

Given:
density of water is approximately 1.0 g/mL
block of material
volume of 1.2 x 10^4 in^3
and weighing 350 lb

Required:
Which will float

Solution:
D = M/V where D is density, M is mass and V is volume

convert 1.2 x 10^4 in^3 into mL
1.2 x 10^4 in^3 (16.39 mL/ 1 in3) = 196,980 mL

convert 350 lb into grams
350 lb (454 grams/1 lb) = 158,900 grams

D = M/V = 158,900 grams/ 196,980 mL
D = 0.807 g/mL

The block will float in water because it is less dense than water