A pumpkin floats in water but a grape sinks in water because:
A) a pumpkin weighs less.
B) a grape weighs more.
C) a pumpkin is less dense.
D) a grape is smaller.

Question

A pumpkin floats in water but a grape sinks in water because:​
A) ​a pumpkin weighs less.
B) ​a grape weighs more.
C) ​a pumpkin is less dense.
D) ​a grape is smaller.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reason the pumpkin floats is because it is less dense than water. This means that the weight of the pumpkin is spread out over a greater volume than an equal mass of water, so it displaces water equal to its weight and floats. The grape, on the other hand, is more dense than water, so it sinks. Its weight is more concentrated in a smaller volume than an equal mass of water, so it displaces less water than its weight and sinks.

A Pumpkin Floats in Water but a Grape Sinks in Water