UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Density of Water vs. Oil

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 684

Density of Water vs. Oil

ID # 684

Description:

The oil is less dense than the water, so a visible boundary is present between the two. The superball is less dense than water, but more dense than oil, so it sinks to the bottom of the oil layer, yet floats on the top of the water layer.

Picture of Density of Water vs. Oil

Physics Concept:

Fluid Mechanics
Statics of Fluids
Density and Buoyancy

The demonstration takes about 1 minute to perform.