Question

1) A piece of paraffin wax has a density of 9g/cm3, mass of 900g, and a volume of 100cm3. If the wax was melted to the liquid state, approximately what would it's volume be?
Would this wax float or sink in water? Explain.

2) A tin box ( Mass of 80g, Volume of 100cm3, and Density of 0.8g/cm3) has a hole in each side. Would it continue to float? Explain.

Answer 1

1) If the wax was melted to the liquid state, its volume would be approximately 90cm3. The wax would float in water because it has a lower density than water (1g/cm3).

2) The tin box would continue to float because it has a lower density than water (0.8g/cm3). The holes in the sides would not affect its ability to float.