Density, for kids, is like figuring out how much stuff is packed into a certain space. It's what makes some things sink and others float in a liquid!
What is Density?
Imagine you have a box.
- If you fill it with a lot of rocks, it's going to be heavy. It has a high density.
- If you fill it with cotton balls, it won't be as heavy. It has a lower density.
Density is about how much "stuff" is in something compared to how much space it takes up.
Density and Liquids
Liquids, like water, also have density. The density determines whether or not something will sink or float in that liquid. This is because of how much "stuff" is packed into each part of the liquid itself.
Sinking and Floating
- Sinking: A substance with a higher density than the liquid will sink. Imagine dropping a rock in water; it sinks because the rock is denser than the water.
- Floating: A substance with a lower density than the liquid will float. A wooden toy boat floats because the wood is less dense than the water.
Examples:
Here's a simple table to illustrate:
| Item | Density Compared to Water | Will it Sink or Float? |
|---|---|---|
| Rock | Higher | Sink |
| Wood | Lower | Float |
| Metal Spoon | Higher | Sink |
| Plastic Toy | Lower | Float |
| Oil | Lower | Float on water |
Simple Explanation
Think of it this way: If something is packed with lots of stuff it is heavy, even if it is small. If it's packed loosely it will be lighter, even if it is large. If the stuff is packed tighter than the water, it sinks. If it is packed less tightly than the water, it floats!
