Based on the provided reference, a glue stick floats in water.
Understanding Why Objects Sink or Float
Whether an object sinks or floats in water is primarily determined by its density compared to the density of water.
- An object less dense than water will typically float.
- An object denser than water will typically sink.
Water has a density of approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Objects with a density less than 1 g/cm³ will float, while those with a density greater than 1 g/cm³ will sink.
What the Reference Says About Glue
The provided reference describes a classroom experiment where students tested the buoyancy of various items. According to the account:
She would then drop the item and students would discover the answer to their hypothesis, sometimes being surprised when an item they thought would not float – such as the glue stick and the crayon – ended up floating.
This specific observation confirms that, in this particular experiment, a glue stick was found to float when placed in water. Students were reportedly surprised by this outcome, suggesting they may have hypothesized it would sink.
Practical Considerations
It's worth noting that "glue" comes in many forms, including liquid glues, solid glue sticks, and various formulations. While the reference specifically mentions a glue stick floating, other types of glue might behave differently depending on their composition and density.
- Glue Sticks: Often made with solid polymers, waxes, and tackifiers. Their overall density, including any trapped air, can be less than water.
- Liquid Glues: Can vary widely in density depending on the solvents and adhesives used. Some might be denser than water and sink, while others could be less dense or even mix with water.
However, based solely on the provided information, the conclusion is clear: a glue stick floats.
Summary of Findings
| Item | Observation (from reference) | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Glue Stick | Ended up floating | Floats |
| Crayon | Ended up floating | Floats |
This finding highlights that you can't always predict whether an object will sink or float just by looking at it; testing is often necessary to confirm the outcome.
