A sheet of metal that sinks in water can float if shaped like a pan.

Question

Give scientific reason:

A sheet of metal that sinks in water can float if shaped like a pan.

Answer 1

1. A sheet of metal sinks in water because its density is more than that of water. 

2. If the sheet is shaped like a pan, it can displace a large amount of water such that the buoyant force on the pan due to water balances the weight of the pan. Hence, it can float on water.