Making aluminium to float in Floating bodies – Class 9 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Floating bodies

Activity Name: Making aluminium to float in Floating bodies

Activity Description:

In this experiment, we will explore the floating properties of aluminium foil and a small bowl made from aluminium foil. By considering the relative density of aluminium, we will predict whether the aluminium foil will float or sink in water. Then, we will test our predictions by observing the behavior of both the folded aluminium foil and the small bowl in water.

Required Items:

1. Small sheet of aluminium foil
2. Water container (e.g., a bowl or a bucket)

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take a small sheet of aluminium foil and fold it four or five times, ensuring the foil is pressed tight after each fold.
2. Predict whether the folded aluminium foil will float or sink in water based on your knowledge of the relative density of aluminium from an earlier lab activity.
3. Carefully drop the folded aluminium foil into the water and observe whether your prediction was correct or not.
4. Unfold the aluminium foil and shape it into a small bowl.
5. Gently place the aluminium foil bowl in the water and observe whether it floats or sinks.
6. Measure the amount of water displaced by the aluminium foil bowl.

Experiment Observations:

1. The folded aluminium foil either floats or sinks in the water, based on its relative density.
2. The unfolded aluminium foil, when shaped into a bowl, may either float or sink in the water.

Precautions:

1. Handle the aluminium foil carefully to avoid tearing or damaging it during the experiment.
2. Ensure that the water container is clean and free from any contaminants that could interfere with the observations.
3. Be cautious while placing the aluminium foil in the water to avoid splashing.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we learn about the concept of buoyancy and how it is affected by the relative density of objects. Whether an object floats or sinks in water depends on its density compared to that of the water.

If an object’s density is less than that of water, it will float, while if it is greater, it will sink. The experiment also demonstrates how shaping an object can influence its buoyancy.