Why limes sink and lemons float

Although paraffin wax floats, crayons generally sink in tap water but will float in salt water. Students investigate how changing the density of the water influences whether an object will float or sink in the water. Students also explore how the pigments used in crayons affect their density. Also, even though a crayon is made mostly from wax, most crayons sink. This is because of the pigments and other substances added to the wax to give them color and to improve other qualities of the crayon.

People with smaller or muscular body types tend to have trouble. RelaxNSwim further explains fat is less dense than muscle and bones, so fat floats more easily.

That is why many athletes have trouble floating. Lung capacity is a factor, too. An object floats when the weight force on the object is balanced by the upward push of the water on the object. If an object floats in a liquid then you know its average density is less than the liquid and vice versa. In the case of lemons and limes this may be due to the skin of a lemon having air spaces in it but the lime skin may not and, consequently, be a bit more dense.

It is possible that the bubbles of one fizzy drink tend to attach to lemons but the other fizzy stuff doesn't stick bubbles to lime. Look closely; are there visible bubbles on the outside of the lemon slices? Pages: [ 1 ] Go Up. Similar topics 5. If so, why? Cookie Settings Accept All. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

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