Chapter 13.2, Problem 20SSC

To determine

Reason for the paper clip not floating in water.

Answer to Problem 20SSC

The paper clip cannot float due to its density which is more than density of water. The skin on the water surface is holding the clip. Hence, clip is suspended on the surface of water due to surface tension.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Floating is the phenomenon in which a particle or a thing is buoyant or suspended in water or air. Objects that have lower density than water float in it.

Paperclip in the previous experiment is not floating. If the paper clip broke through the surface of the water, it sank.

An object that floats would simply bounce back to the surface. Hence, the paper clip is being held up by the surface tension.It means that some remaining particles or skin of tissue is suspended on the surface of water that is holding water molecules tight and intact.

Hence, if the conditions are right, they are tight and intact enough to support the paper clip.

Conclusion:The paper clip is not floating as its density is more than the water. It is being held up by the surface tension.