What Floats in Salt or Sugar Water?
When salt or sugar are added to water, a solution with a greater density is created. Solutions of lower density float more easily than solutions of greater density of the same size because of the increased concentration of particles. Simple experiments can test the density of everyday objects and solutions, often creating surprising results.
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Corn Oil
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Corn oil is a solution that will float in normal water due to its lower density. Corn oil has a density of 0.93 grams per milliliter, whereas water has a density of 1 g per ml. If the water is replaced with a salt water or sugar water solution, it will increase the density of the solution. Water made up of 25 percent salt has a density of 1.25 g per ml. Corn oil, still at a lower density, will continue to float.
Ice
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Ice is a solid that floats in normal water due to its lower density. Ice has a density of 0.92 g per ml. This occurrence of a solid floating in its liquid form is abnormal. Typically, a solid form has a greater density than a liquid form.
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Egg
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An uncooked egg will float in salt water or sugar water, but not normal water. This is because an egg has a density of around 1 g per ml. Because water has a similar density, the egg sinks due to its size and shape. However, in salt or sugar water, which has a density of 1.25 g per ml, the egg has a lower density, so it floats. The percentage of salt or sugar in the water must be high enough so its density is greater than that of the uncooked egg.
Potato
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A potato will also float in salt water or sugar water, but not normal water. This is because a potato has a density of more than 1 g per ml so, similar to the egg, it will sink. However, in salt or sugar water, which can have a variable density, depending on how much salt or sugar is added, the potato can eventually be made to float. Again, the percentage of salt or sugar in the water must be high enough so its density is greater than that of the potato. The density depends on the potato chosen.
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