Buoyancy Basics Quiz

What does buoyancy mean?

• The ability to sink in water

• The ability to float in water

• The ability to swim fast

• The ability to hold your breath underwater

Why can boats made of steel float on water?

• Because steel is lighter than water

• Because boats are painted with special paint

• Because the shape of the boat spreads out its weight

• Because the captain says so

What happens to an object that is less dense than water?

• It sinks

• It floats

• It dissolves

• It disappears

If you put an apple in water, what will happen?

• It will sink to the bottom

• It will float

• It will dissolve

• It will expand

What is the principle called that explains why ships float?

• Newton's First Law of Motion

• The Principle of Relativity

• Archimedes' Principle

• The Principle of Quantum Mechanics

What must be true for an object to float in water?

• It must be heavy

• It must be completely submerged

• Its density must be lower than that of water

• It must be made of metal

Can a heavy object float on water?

• No, because heavy objects always sink

• Yes, if its shape helps it to displace enough water

• Yes, but only in saltwater

• No, because only light objects can float

Why do fish swim easily in water?

• Because they are made of water

• Because they have fins and tails

• Because they can control their buoyancy

• Because the water moves them

What role does salt play in the buoyancy of objects in water?

• It makes objects sink

• It has no effect on buoyancy

• It increases the density of water, making objects more buoyant

• It decreases the density of water, making objects less buoyant

If you were to lie flat on your back in a pool, what would help you float?

• Holding your breath

• Wearing heavy boots

• Keeping your body completely still

• Moving your arms and legs rapidly