If a lump of clay is dropped into water, what will occur?
Will break up
Will float
Will dissolve
it will sink
Floating and Sinking Drop a lump of clay in water. It will sink. Then mold the lump of clay into the shape of a boat, and it will float. Because of its shape, the boat displaces more water than the lump and experiences a greater buoyant force. The same is true of steel ships.