Is it possible to float an object that is less dense that water when the amount of the water is less than the weight of the object?
A) No, the weight of the water must at least equal the weight of the object.
B) Yes, as long as the container that holds the water allows the water to rise so that the volume of water displaced is equal to the weight of the object.
C) It is not possible to determine the answer.
D) It depends on the density of the object.
E) It depends on the mass of the object.

Question

Is it possible to float an object that is less dense that water when the amount of the water is less than the weight of the object? 
A) No, the weight of the water must at least equal the weight of the object. 
B) Yes, as long as the container that holds the water allows the water to rise so that the volume of water displaced is equal to the weight of the object. 
C) It is not possible to determine the answer. 
D) It depends on the density of the object. 
E) It depends on the mass of the object.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of flotation states that an object will float in a fluid if its weight is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Therefore, if the volume of water displaced by the object is equal to the weight of the object, the object will float. It does not matter if the amount of water is less than the weight of the object, as long as the container holding the water allows the water to rise and displace an amount of water equal to the weight of the object.

Is It Possible to Float an Object That Is Less