Question

which of the following substances would float in water? (hint: water has a density of 1g/cm³)
rubber
cork
water
gold

Explanation:

Step1: Recall density - floating principle

A substance floats in water if its density is less than the density of water ($1g/cm^{3}$).

Step2: Check densities of options

• Rubber density is $1.1g/cm^{3}$, greater than water's density.
• Cork density is $0.24g/cm^{3}$, less than water's density.
• Water has a density of $1g/cm^{3}$, it is not floating "in" water in the traditional sense for this comparison.
• Gold density is $19.3g/cm^{3}$, much greater than water's density.

Answer:

cork