Question

1. draw conclusion: can you use mass and volume to predict whether an object will sink or float in water? explain your thinking.
2. apply: measure the mass and volume of the toy soldier: mass ____ volume ____

will it float or sink? ______ use the gizmo to test your prediction.

Explanation:

Question 4 (Draw conclusion)

To determine if an object sinks or floats, we use density ($
ho = \frac{m}{V}$, where $m$ is mass and $V$ is volume). If an object’s density ($\frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}$) is less than water’s density ($1\ \text{g/cm}^3$ or $1000\ \text{kg/m}^3$), it floats; if greater, it sinks. So mass and volume (via density) can predict buoyancy.

Step 1: Measure mass/volume

Use a balance (or Gizmo tool) to find the toy soldier’s mass ($m$) and a displacement method (or Gizmo) to find its volume ($V$).

Step 2: Calculate density

Compute density as $
ho = \frac{m}{V}$.

Step 3: Compare to water’s density

Water’s density is $1\ \text{g/cm}^3$ (or $1000\ \text{kg/m}^3$). If $
ho_{\text{soldier}} < 1\ \text{g/cm}^3$, it floats; if $
ho_{\text{soldier}} > 1\ \text{g/cm}^3$, it sinks. Then test with the Gizmo.

Answer:

Yes, we can use mass and volume to predict if an object will sink or float. By calculating the object’s density ($
ho = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}$) and comparing it to water’s density ($1\ \text{g/cm}^3$), we determine buoyancy: if $
ho_{\text{object}} < 1\ \text{g/cm}^3$, it floats; if $
ho_{\text{object}} > 1\ \text{g/cm}^3$, it sinks.

Question 5 (Apply: Measure mass/volume, predict sink/float)