Edexcel GCSE Physics · 1PH0
Specification 15.17P · Paper 2
Revise: Floating and SinkingFor a completely submerged object, compare its average density with the density of the surrounding fluid.
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GCSE Physics · key term
The mass of a whole object divided by its total volume, including any hollow or air-filled parts.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 15.17P · Paper 2
Revise: Floating and SinkingFor a completely submerged object, compare its average density with the density of the surrounding fluid.
Specification P1.3h · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
The total mass of an object divided by its total volume, including any hollow spaces within it.
Revise: Floating and sinkingThe ship's hollow shape gives it a much larger total volume without a matching increase in mass. Its average density is therefore lower, and it can displace enough water for the upthrust to balance its weight.
Compare the object's average density with the density of the particular fluid, not automatically with the density of water.
When explaining why a hollow ship floats, refer to its overall average density, including the air-filled space.
Do not decide from mass or size alone: compare the object's average density with the density of the surrounding fluid, or compare its weight with the upthrust.
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